National Review on Gitmo

Nothing bothers me more about modern political "discourse" like the simplicity - and often stupidity - of arguments about complex issues. This gripe extends to both conservatives and liberals, who way too often favor polarization over pragmatism, leaving the rest of us out of the debate entirely.

The U. S. prison at Guantanamo Bay is just such an issue. The Left (capitalized, just the way National Review seems to like it) has demonized it - sometimes fairly, often unfairly - as a blight on America's reputation abroad. But to hear the National Review tell it, there's just no possible justification for all the whining. As a lead editorial from "The Editors", you'd think they could actually lay out some coherent arguments to back up their assertions. But despite documented complaints (like those from the flaming liberal FBI) they assert:

"Is Guantanamo too awful to tolerate? Scores of politicians, journalists, lawyers, and activists—over 1,000 people—have visited the camp and attested that the detainees are treated well. They are given culturally sensitive diets, freedom to worship, exercise opportunities, and the best available medical care."

No doubt, that is by and large true. It is also likely true that activities most of us would consider torture have taken place from time to time, and the evidence for this comes not from the liberal media but from some of our own government agencies. However, the larger and more pertinent issue surrounding Guantanamo is this: just how long can we justify holding "enemy combatants" without due process, in a "War on Terror" that is likely to last decades? That's a tough question, made tougher by the question of what exactly the alternatives are.

Of course, any kind of sane argument must be reduced to partisanship in the eyes of partisans:

"Many on the Left no doubt feel compassion for the detainees. But the peculiar exhibitionism of their compassion is probably motivated by a simple desire to club the Bush administration, as usual."

Well, guess what, you arrogant gasbags - I actually worry about American principles. Ya know, those pantywaist ideals laid out in documents like the Constitution. I really don't give two shits about "clubbing" the Bush administration, though it could use a good clubbing. No, sometimes it is about something larger than Republican vs. Democrat. It's pretty goddanged pathetic when a group of conservative "thinkers" can't see that. Guantanamo Bay may present a unique and complex challenge to the American people, but God forbid that the fuckwits over at National Review would stop bashing "the Left" long enough to acknowledge it.