The Wisdom Of Someone With Specific Experience

Andrew McCarthy, lead prosecutor in the investigation of Blind Sheikh Omar Abdel Rahman and others involved in the 1993 World Trade Center bombing, was asked to participate in the May 4 roundtable meeting of the President’s Task Force on Detention Policy.  He wrote a letter to Eric H. Holder, Jr., the Attorney General of the US declining the offer.  The letter is posted at the American Thinker.  The letter is worth reading in its entirety, but there are a few notable thoughts.

Mr. McCarthy points out that it is quite clear–most recently, from provocative remarks on Wednesday in Germany–that the Obama administration has already settled on a policy of releasing trained jihadists (including releasing some of them into the United States).  He feels that the meeting will obviously be used by the administration to claim that its policy was arrived at in consultation with current and former government officials experienced in terrorism cases and national security issues.  He chooses not to be a part of that charade.

Mr. McCarthy also points out that in light of public statements by Attorney General Holder and the President, it is dismayingly clear that, under their leadership, the Justice Department takes the position that a lawyer who in good faith offers legal advice to government policy makers–like the government lawyers who offered good faith advice on interrogation policy–may be subject to investigation and prosecution for the content of that advice, in addition to empty but professionally damaging accusations of ethical misconduct.  He mentions that the current atmosphere in Washington in terms of prosecuting lawyers for giving legal advice would cause any lawyer to hesitate before offering guidance to the administration.

Please read the entire letter.  Mr. McCarthy talks about various policies in dealing with terrorism and terrorists and the pros and cons of each.  We need to listen to him.  His work on the first World Trade Center Bombing was thorough and effective.