by Carlos Soriano

Created on: January 28, 2009   Last Updated: August 04, 2011

As we begin a new year of high expectancy for the new President of the United States, it seems that his decision of closing Guantanamo is "right on the money". Unfortunately, our previous president forgot about the rights that an individual has, no matter what the accusation is. It clearly says on The Bill of Rights of the U.S. Constitution, Amendment 6, a person charged with a crime has the right to a trial and a lawyer. Obviously, President Obama is well aware of these rights.

No matter what the reason of suspicion is for authorities to throw a human just for a doubtful ideology (if any) in prison without concrete proof is unobstructedly illegal and unconstitutional, in the United States of course or any possession. The indictment process should be just, no matter where the person comes from or religious background. Given the fact that society is so diverse in thinking morally and ethically, Mr. Bush doing such thing is a bad example for everyone. On a country that has fought battles for freedom, it truly is an embarrassing site.

The question now is, what to do with the prisoners that will be leaving Guantanamo throughout the course of this year. It's clear that if deported, they will probably be killed, tortured, or released free. Because those courts in some countries from the old continent are known for being "unpredictable" on the outcome of situations. They should be tried on American soil. United States deserves at least that for dealing with so many extremely hostile situations in the past from countries, governments, groups, etc.

Their ideologies are like cancer to human evolution. Rumor says that Guantanamo is known for torture. For being a rumor, it kinda makes you wonder what really goes on behind those bars. With that being said, I move to Amendment 8 of the U.S. Constitution which says, the government cannot punish people in a cruel or unusual way. Unfortunately, Mr. Bush did not have the constitution handy for reference just in case he encountered compromising situations throughout those long 8 years of his presidency, like the Guantanamo controversy.

Very hard evidence is essential to find the defendant guilty of a crime. Suspicion alone is insufficient in any court of law. So it's going to be interesting how Obama's administration will deal with such predicament. By far his order to close the detention camp is an improvement and an example to follow by other administrations and governments. Now, I want to make clear that if, or when found guilty, the accused should pay for what they have done. Only before a judge and with the right proceedings.

Learn more about this author, Carlos Soriano.
Click here to send this author comments or questions.