The White House expressed anger and regret over the release of the Lockerbie bomber, while still insisting on making life easier for terrorists held at Gitmo.(Fox News)
Abdel Baset al-Megrahi was convicted in 2001 for the 1988 bombing of a plane over Scotland that killed over 300 people on board the plane as well as 11 people on the ground. He has been diagnosed with incurable prostate cancer – with just a few months remaining to live. He has been released to head home to Libya to live out his last few days with his family. The judge who made the decision stated this type of mercy is in keeping with “Scottish values.”
I could go either way on his release. On one hand – he murdered hundreds of innocent people. Scripture clearly tells us that a murderer – one who premeditates his crime – has lost the right to live and needs to be put to death. The fact that many western nations – and many US states – have done away with the death penalty is a testament as to why we continue to have an alarming murder rate in the enlightened West. On the other hand, international politics and the fact that this guy only has a few weeks remaining to live could justify the Scots’ decision to let him go. If we add to that the underlying doubt that he may not have been involved gives some leeway to mercy.
The problem that I have with all this is that the White House was bound and determined to keep this guy in prison. At the same time, the Obama administration is closing down one of the most secure prisons that we have – Guantanamo Bay – and is eagerly looking for somewhere else where these very dangerous men can be held captive. Abdel is responsible for hundreds of deaths; these gentlemen at Gitmo are responsible for thousands. Muammar Al-Qaddafi – once shut off from the rest of the world – has renounced terrorism and is actively working with BP Oil and others to get his country up to speed. The terrorists at the navy prison have never turned away from their views, and will never do so. They treat their guards with contempt, often throwing human waste “cocktails” at people who walk by. The prisoners are afforded the highest of respect, yet show no remorse in return. Gitmo is portrayed by those on the left as being inhumane. The reality is that the prisoners receive better care than many Americans do: 3 square meals, full medical care, decent housing, prayer time, exercise, limited internet access, and entertainment. Most prisoners have gained weight, and look healthier than when they first arrived. Yet, the left continues to call for the closing of this base.
The White House needs to get its act together. If Obama wants to take a hard line with Abdel Baset al-Megrahi – fine. All court accounts finger this guy to be guilty. The President needs to be consistent – taking an equally hard line with those who would not hesitate to take the life of any American.
