House democrats are blocking a request by Barack Obama for funds to close the Guantanamo Bay detention center for terrorists and enemy combatants. Read about it below and see a video.
Barack Obama
House democrats led by House Appropriations Chairman David Obey (D., Wisconsin), have refused funding requested by Barack Obama to close GITMO. Obama has asked for $80 million to begin the process of closing the prison camp at Guantanamo Bay, Cuba. He had included the request for funds in legislation requesting continued funding for the Global War on Terrorism in Iraq and Afghanistan. Or, as its now called, the Overseas Contingency Operation.
Obey stated that the war spending bill unveiled by the House does not include the funds to close GITMO because the Obama administration has not developed a plan to close the U.S. prison camp. According to House democrats there is no clear plan for closure of the camp or for the relocation of the prisoners held there.
“When they have a plan, they’re welcome to come back and talk to us,” Mr. Obey said.
Does it seem that this is somewhat out of character that the House or Senate would expect an actual plan before dispersing enormous amounts of money for whatever plan this administration comes up with?
Relocation of the hardcore enemy combatants at Guantanamo will undoubtedly be quite a problem for the Obama administration. Their countries of origin don’t want them. No other countries are stepping forward to take them and putting them in the United States will prove to be a problem for any Representative that agrees to house them in his or her own districts.
Of course Obama can divert funds from other sources and should he come up with a ‘concrete plan’, then Obey indicates the House might approve funding to close GITMO.
On the other hand, having no money to close GITMO would be a perfect excuse not to close it, in spite of whatever promises Obama has made to do so. Forever the victims, even when they have more power and control over the government than any administration before them in modern history.
May 5th, 2009 at 2:37 pm
Of course Obama may have planned this for some time. Without money, He has to keep the base open. The Leader has heard frequently from congresspeople that their constituents don’t want these killers on American soil. And since the great Apology tour failed to generate any assistance in taking these lunatics, there is no other option but to keep ‘em in Cuba. At least this way he can blame it on something other than himself.
The media will go along. They worship Obama anyway as evidenced by their embarrassing performance at the Wednesday press conference. Not one difficult question with zero follow up.
The media may be in the tank for this guy, but some are waking up to the fact that this may have turned out to be a terrible choice for President.
(for a look at a 12-step recovery plan for Obama worshipers, you might hit:
http://firstconservative.com/blog/top-ten/12-step-recovery-plan-for-obama-supporters )
May 19th, 2009 at 3:22 pm
Thanks very much for your interesting post. Will be back in the future.