President Barack Obama has repeatedly tried to persuade Congress to close the US military prison at Guantanamo Bay, Cuba. However, because there are so many prisoners there who would need to be redistributed to prisons on US soil, the lawmakers have denied his request.
Although Obama (D) asked that his request be given a “fair hearing,” his plea fell on deaf ears. It is no secret the Republican party has not been happy with President Obama’s ability to run the United States since he took office.
Unfortunately for Obama, if he cannot get Congress to agree to Guantanamo now, it may be an issue for his successor down the line.
As it stands, he’s asking for “13 potential sites on US soil for the transfer of remaining detainees but does not identify the facilities or endorse a specific one,” according to Reuters.
“We’ll review President Obama’s plan,” Republican Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell said. “But since it includes bringing dangerous
terrorists to facilities in U.S. communities, he should know that the bipartisan will of Congress has already been expressed against that proposal.”
Pardon me for saying so, Senator, but isn’t it also dangerous to put a gun in the hands of a person without first ascertaining whether or not that person is a risk?
While other Republicans are questioning whether Obama can prove the safety of his new plan, others are still questioning whether some of his moves as president have been smart for the country.
Obama made a pledge to close Guantanamo during his 2008 campaign. When prisoners were initially put in the prison following 9/11, the facility fell under scrutiny as a center of aggression and torture on behalf of the United States.
“Let us go ahead and close this chapter,” Obama said. “Keeping this facility open is contrary to our values … It is viewed as a stain on our broader record of upholding the highest standards of rule of law.”
While Obama is considering vetoing the Republican ruling and going ahead with the closure, Republicans are saying they will oppose any action he makes.
From a monetary standpoint, the closure also makes sense. According to recent numbers, nearly $450 million was spent — last year alone.
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