Opinion - Nov. 26, 2009 - The trial of the 9/11 murderers

How strong are we? How much do we believe in our basic freedoms and rights?

These questions will be put to the test when the admitted mastermind of the September 11 massacre goes on trial.

It has been decided that Khalid Shiekh Mohammed and his cohorts will be put on trial in a civilian court.

The debate over whether or not these men should get the publicity of a civilian trial or, for that matter, any trial, is being hotly debated.

Many claim it is simply asking for more trouble and may give this country another black eye internationally. At the very least, they will be handed another chance to spew their venom against America.

The accused have made it known that they will use the upcoming forum to express their views, explain their murderous action and, ultimately, condemn the United States.

The court proceedings will be public and heavily covered by the world’s media. It will present the murderers with a propaganda forum equalled only by the coverage of the carnage they caused.

It is nothing new. Throughout our history, trials for political and military prisoners have been used for espousing anti-American views and philosophies.

Yet, giving even our most heinous of enemies the full protection of American law is the correct thing to do. Justice in this country is a high ideal. The blindfold that protects all and makes all equal in the eyes of the law cannot be ripped off depending on circumstances.

Problems will surely arise from allowing these men the protections of our legal system. It is more than they may deserve. Difficulties will arise from their use of the publicity they will be given. Yet, all tolled, treating these men as other accused are treated may also give the country some credence throughout the world. More important, it will give Americans the sense that the system of justice for all is important and must be protected so that all may be protected.

Gordon Forgey

Publisher