James Taylor was “Gone To Carolina” in his mind, but several dozen enemy combatants detained in the U.S. war on terror(ism) may be headed to South Carolina for real when President Barack Obama closes the Guantanamo Bay prison camp in Cuba next year.
Not surprisingly, word that the Charleston Naval Consolidated Brig (i.e. this classy joint) is on the list of terrorist detainee destinations has S.C. politicians tripping over each other to oppose the shutdown of the base.
“I hope Washington will hear this message,” said State Sen. Ronnie Cromer in a statement earlier this week. “We must proceed with extreme caution when it comes to this matter of national security.”
Yeah, because Barack Obama is definitely going to be influenced by some redneck Republican State Senator from Newberry County on matters of national security.
Seriously, Sen. Cromer. How about do us all a favor and stick to securing money for the “Hoppin’ Festival” or whatever hillbilly parade it is you guys throw up there in Newberry.
Anyway, we honestly have no idea why our government is detaining terrorist suspects at all, because if it was up to us, we’d strap ‘em to some cruise missiles and fire their asses back to whatever America-hatin’ country they came from.
Problem solved.
By FWFIV January 30, 2009 at 8:19 am
There are vicious killers locked up in every state, saying we won’t be safe if these particular criminals are on US soil is just a gop talking point, and a ridiculous one at that.
By roofus January 30, 2009 at 8:47 am
Victorious Democratic presidents are famous for their vindictiveness against southern states they lose during the general election. Bill Clinton “punished” South Carolina by closing the majority of the naval base in the early nineties. Now Mr. Obama will reward red-leaning South Carolina with terrorists.
By Earl Capps January 30, 2009 at 11:59 am
Obama must be starting to find that it is a lot easier to run against a President than to be one himself. The poor guy is actually gonna have to make a decision and take political risks – with little actual experience to help guide those decisions.
So this is what “hope” looks like?
By FWFIV January 30, 2009 at 3:03 pm
Roofus-
Please do some research on the closure of Charleston Naval Base and the Base Realignment Commission (BRAC), the process is specifically designed NOT to allow partisan influence on the decisions of base closure. Are you just doing the tired, old play of blaming Clinton for everything? Please read or watch something other than fox news to get the truth.
By Earl Capps January 30, 2009 at 4:43 pm
At the time of its closing, the Charleston Naval Base was just a few years away from massive environmental remediation, as well as facing the imminent failure of much of its water and sewer infrastructure. Keeping the base open for much longer may have been difficult to manage, as well as prohibitively expensive.
The long-term viability likely played a role in deciding to close it. If it didn’t, it should have.
Much of the facility remains unused and unremediated over a decade later. Nobody wants to move in and have to pick up the tab to clean it up.
If this is how the feds manage their own properties, why would anyone want the federal government to protect the environment? Oh yeah, it’s the usual Washington “do as I say, not as I do” mindset at work.
By rowe January 30, 2009 at 6:35 pm
Has anyone taken a drive through the old base? The parts one drives through to see the Hunley look like the movie set of “I Am Legend.” Buildings are crumbling from the vines growing through them…
The brig is located behind gates on the property that is still in use, but one can see it from a bridge that goes over the Wando.
What ever happened to those two guys that were arrested in Goose Creek, with a trunkload of “fireworks?”
By lou January 30, 2009 at 6:59 pm
I betcha Lindsey asked that they be brought here. He’s a big man in the Obama administration isn’t he? He had his time on tv with him. Why doesn’t he take a pro NO stand? Where is Lindsey… O wait, this doesn’t bother him one iota does it?????
Bring em on… famous last words.