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A recent article in Newsweek mentioned that an increasing number of politicians are trying to pressure the administration to avoid their districts when relocating Gitmo detainees.

Two weeks into office, President Obama has said that he intends to close Gitmo within the next year, but has not detailed what he intends to do with the prisoners. That is not surprising because the Bush administration, other than using them as intelligence sources, was unable to decide what to do with these people 4 to 6 years after capturing them.

Who are these detainees? How “dangerous are they? What crimes did they commit? Does their native country wish them returned? The news media have not given us a clear report on the subject, and there is much debate. If we have cases against them, why not try them where they are and dispose of them within the year?

Currently there is no way Obama can be certain about the cases in Gitmo. His Attorney General just took office. The heads of CIA and other security forces have only recently been approved for their job. And, of course, considering the issues in the recent election, Obama may not have decided who he can trust on these issues.

I can understand that no politician wants terrorists incarcerated in their district or state, but I have yet to hear a constructive suggestion concerning the location they suggest. It is all “not in my backyard”. Someone needs to yield on this subject.

I do have one suggestion. How about Alcatraz? I know it is a national park now, but that means the nation owns the land. It would need some remodeling, but that would provide a few jobs. Alcatraz is an island in the middle of San Francisco bay. It was once considered escape proof as the water is too cold for a long swim.

If anyone else has a suggestion, comment on this blog. We will need an acceptable solution.