Hi!

Ebou Ndure:

Thanks for the comments.

Karamba:

You wrote:'

"we seem to be at that common a confluence inherent in any honest discussion, a point we will just have to agree to disagree. "

I thank you for engaging in the discussion. On the opportunity offered to the Taliban, I was addressing George Bush's stance and not Clinton's but that does not deduct from my original stance. On the issue of support to political parties back home, some people have contributed to their respective parties privately both financially and through other means instead of through the public one organised through the L. On your contention that America "by and large ... is a good country that has helped mankind in good and measurable ways..." and that "it strives for the betterment of mankind within the context of freedom, liberty and free enterprise", I say to each his opinion. Whilst recognising the good aspects of America where I studied and lived for nearly five years, I nonetheless recognise and see the effectiveness of the American establishment not least the media, in brainwashing and blinding people to the realities of American policy in international relations among other things. I also see the contradictions and selfishness inherent in American foreign policy. That is why even when I was living there I made it a point to read as diverse opinion as possible in order to make an informed judgment. I thank you once again for engaging me. 

George Bush recently signed the directive making it possible for foreign nationals suspected of involvement in terrorism to be tried in military tribunals instead of civilian courts. The implications of such are that if you were to be suspected of terrorism:
1. You will receive a secret trial instead of a public one
2. Evidence that is not acceptable in civilian courts such as hearsay can be accepted by the military tribunal
3. You will not have a right to choose your own attorney
4. You can be sentenced to death even if all the jury members do not find you guilty, only a two-thirds majority of officers (How can US military officers, whose institution has borne the brunt of attacks overseas, be expected to be impartail?) is required
5. You will not have the right to appeal your sentence

This is not some third world dictator trying to eliminate his enemies. This a proposal to be implemented in the US. Even the New York Times is critical of Bush's plans when it wrote: "in his attempts to defend America against terrorists, George Bush is undermining the values and principles he wishes to protect, including the legal system". (this is a translation from Swedish) Thanks and have a good evening.
                                                                                                                                    Buharry.

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