Turban's Priorities Have Certainly Changed

Senator Dick Turban has been highly critical of intelligence gathering in the United States over the last few years. But, while he likens Camp Delta to a death camp, intelligence gathering is exactly what is happeneing down there.

Commander Major General Jay Hood has noted:

"There's no doubt in my mind that the intelligence gathered from the detainees is a value to the US and its allies in the global war on terror" — adding that much has been learned about al-Qaeda recruitment, training, funding and movement.

And had this to say to the Washington Times:

"Detainees under our charge right now have provided us tremendous insight and intelligence regarding how terrorist organizations recruit, fund, train and plan, and how they have the ability to compartmentalize information, operations and projects,"

A skeptical interrogator had this to say on the fruits of Guantanamo:

"Before I came down to Guantanamo, I thought, 'What could they possibly have of value after two and a half years?'" says the senior interrogator. "But when I got down here, I was like 'Wow!' I was surprised by what I had found." He claims that information gathered here has helped foil multiple terrorist attacks.

Guantanamo is providing American and coalition troops with knowledge of tactics, funding, recruiting and countless other aspects of al Qaida in Iraq. Whether it be through knowledge of specific attacks, or general knowledge on how the insurgents operate, there can be little doubt that the information is saving not only American lives, but those if innocent Iraqi's as well.

Durbin is compromising that effort and eroding our effort to save those lives. Perhaps he should take this advice:

There is a delicate balance in times of peace--even more delicate in times of war. We have to maintain our reputation as a civilized nation but our first priority must be our own defense. (emphasis added)

That quote just about sums it up. Too bad Dick Durbin has ceased listening to...Dick Durbin, who has also said this in the past:

We all join the President in applauding the sacrifices made by our brave men and women in uniform. But we must continue to provide them the tools they need to accomplish the difficult tasks they face. (emphasis added)

And this:

It is only with valid, credible, good intelligence that we are able to anticipate someone who is trying to cause harm to the American people or to strike us in our territory or to, frankly, attack our special interests around the world. Intelligence is a critical part of our national defense. (emphasis added)

The only "tools" Durbin is providing these days is those for recruiting insurgents, as his "priority" has obviously changed from "national defense" to appeasing the restless far-left base of the Democratic Party. Frankly, I don't see any other way to view his ridiculous statements.