Why A Secret?

Why is it that every prison or detention facility that the U.S. or its allies establishes outside the United States is automatically labeled a "secret prison?" Reports have recently been released claiming individuals are being held at a "secret prison" in Ethiopia. Why is it a "secret" prison? Are U.S. officials now required to publicize every single facility where detainees are being held? Put a big sign on the outskirts of Addis Abeba saying "Well-Publicized Terrorist Detention Facility," maybe? Lots of neon and a loudspeaker system? And why is something being held secret a bad thing? Reports of secret facilities always seem to conjure up nefarious intent -- as if not only are U.S. officials holding terrorists detainees, but they also have a special room where they all stand around kicking puppies, or something.

Let's talk about terrorist detention facilities. In our current Global War on Islamist Terrorism, from time to time some of the terrorists will be captured. What do we do to them then? Let's think about that -- they are people who hate all things non-Islamic; people who frequently play with things that go BOOM and generally try to kill non-Muslims. Let's us call them dangerous people. First off, do you want them kept in your neighborhood? "Of course I know where that is, Sir. The terrorist detention facility is three block further up, then turn right onto Maple Street, then go just past the 2nd traffic light. The non-secret terrorist prison is on the left -- you can't miss it. Lots of barbed wire and fencing." Next thing you know Ahmed's terrorist friends break him out of the non-secret terrorist prison facility using lots of explosives and killing 26, wounding 128. This is why a remote location and secrecy are desirable qualities in a terrorist detention facility.

I think a lot of the hysteria about such facilities comes from the way the Left and the mainstream media (MSM) have demonized the current administration. When you have prominent activists calling President Bush, Vice President Chenney, and adviser Rove -- among other things -- Hitler and the like, it is understandable that people would view legitimate activities with suspicion. But, right now, it is still just the MSM and the Lefties who are casting aspersion on the activities of this Administration. I guarantee you that if a Democrat were in the White House, these activities would go unnoticed.