The perils of political correctness

Were you one of the millions who shouted expletives or other strong condemnation at their television or radio set on Friday the 13th when the Obama administration announced that some of the worst 9-11 terrorists would be tried in criminal court in New York City?

Had you been a fly on the wall you'd have heard the same expression of disbelief repeated over and over again in homes across the nation. Among those in disbelief is former mayor of New York Rudy Giuliani. The U.S. Attorney General Eric Holder reassured us that these terrorists would be found guilty. Then why go through a mock trial just to give them an opportunity to spew their venom against America?

Despite the many reassurances and words portraying this as America's noble gesture to the world. the act has all the trappings of "political correctness," something the Obama administration seems to place above hard-nosed common sense or even reason. It's possible that some people in the world will see the gesture as one they can appreciate but the chance of changing any minds in most of the Middle East, and particularly those who we are at war with, is slim to none. Their hatred of the "great Satan" will be undiminished. Any outcome will be seen as evidence of American evil.

Some questions the current administration needs to answer are:

* Are you prepared for the backlash that will occur should the trials be held as stated?

* Are you prepared for the protests and civil unrest that will surely happen should any of the terrorists be found not guilty?

Isn't this action more about apologizing to the world for your perception of American wrongs? Isn't it more appropriate and honest to remind the world of the fact that America has sacrificed lives, blood, and treasure to thwart evil despots and totalitarian governments? We were reminded of that recently with the Berlin Wall that imprisoned millions of Germans for 28 years and that America and its allies were responsible for bringing down. Does one really believe the world would be a better, more prosperous and peaceful place had Americans done nothing in times of international crisis? Does one really believe that any nation on earth will think better of America because of this criminal trial?

For those who know how dearly America values freedom, justice, and human rights, no explanation or "show" trial is called for. For those who don't know, no explanation will suffice.

We have an excellent criminal justice system capable of handling the most bizarre, hard-core crimes. We also have an excellent military justice system. Each has different procedures and requirements for producing justice. Their differences might be compared to that of an electric drill.

The tool can be used to make a precise hole in a piece of wood, metal, plastic or other material. A similar drill might be used during brain surgery to produce a hole in a human skull but very different guidelines must be applied so as not to injure or kill the patient.

We must not confuse the need for criminal justice with that of military justice. Enemy combatants are people who are at war with our country. They are not common criminals and should not be given the same legal considerations that our Constitution requires.

This administration continues to want to combat terrorism using the Marquis of Queensberry Rules while the opponent applies those of smackdown extreme fighting. It's time to quit fighting with one hand tied behind our back and dump political correctness.

Our nation faces homegrown jihad which has the look of a "fifth column, the enemy within. In my opinion, members of the "mainstream media," -- most of whom endorse the administration's desire for political correctness -- may be unwittingly aiding the movement. We should never be willing to value political correctness above national survival.

John W. Reynolds lives in Pleasant View.