FREEDOMS ENCOURAGE TERRORISM, MILITARY WARNS

Free Press threatens American children

Washington, (WPI) - On Thursday a U.S. District court ordered that pictures of detainee abuse at Iraq's Abu Ghraib prison must be released despite government claims that they could damage America's image and threaten its security.

U.S. District Judge Alvin K. Hellerstein said terrorists in Iraq and Afghanistan have proven they "do not need pretexts for their barbarism" indicating that the government’s argument was not adaquate.

The American Civil Liberties Union sought the release of 87 photographs and four videotapes during an October 2003 lawsuit seeking information on the treatment of detainees in U.S. custody. The ACLU has asserted that prisoner abuse is widespread and systemic.

Gen. Richard B. Myers, the chairman of the joint chiefs of staff, argued in court papers that releasing the photographs would aid al-Qaida. He said the hostility engendered by the images would result in improved terrorist recruiting while simultaneously reducing US military recruiting efforts. He asserted the images would weaken the Afghan and Iraqi governments and incite riots against U.S. troops.

In Hellerstein’s 50-page opinion he offered respect for Myers' arguments. But he claimed that his job was "not to defer to our worst fears, but to interpret and apply the law, in this case, the Freedom of Information Act, which advances values important to our society, transparency and accountability in government."

''Our nation does not surrender to blackmail, and fear of blackmail is not a legally sufficient argument to prevent us from performing a statutory command. Indeed, the freedoms that we champion are as important to our success in Iraq and Afghanistan as the guns and missiles with which our troops are armed,'' he wrote.

Gen. John Abizaid, commander of U.S. Central Command, said releasing the photos would hinder his work.

“These images are like scratching a festering sore. Any more of this and suicide bomber candidates will be lined up around the proverbial block.” he said.

“Americans need to understand the Arab psyche. They’re confused by these issues. Freedom of the press, of religion, the right to privacy- these are very threatening concepts to them.”

“But it’s not just Arabs. We have seen, right here at home, the value of restricting these notions. The Patriot Act has made us a stronger, more secure nation. Americans need to remember, liberties come from ’liberalism.’ The horrible tragedy of 9-11 showed us all the failures of that!".”

“These exaggerated constitutional gestures ultimately threaten your safety, the safety of your children and your grandchildren. I wonder how many American mothers would trade away a few of these notions to save the lives of their babies?”

Meyer added, “I know I Speak for the Secretary of Defense when I say that this boils down to seeing your children slaughtered or supporting the ACLU. I think I know where most Americans stand on that!”