Gitmo: “A Great American Institution”

Well, we know where Fox News Channel’s John Gibson is heading on his next vacation: to that dreamy spot that’s as all-American as apple pie, Guatanamo Bay. He made that “great American institution” sound so inviting on “The Big Story” Wednesday, especially with the help of Republican Senator Jeff Sessions of Alabama (a member of the Senate Armed Services Committee) who praised the “wonderful facility” located in a sweet spot “right on the water.” They then made plans to meet for a windsurf following the ice cream social on the beach. Surf’s up, dude!

This is not a mistake, he’s not hoping that maybe no one saw: it is up on his FNC page right now with a link to the transcript and the video. Here’s the gist:

You’ve got 600 terrorists where you want them — with your boot on their neck — and you want to let them up and go on their way? Does that make any sense?… Come on America. Wise up. Come July 4th, celebrate Gitmo, a great American institution.

Sigh. Here goes: due process, fair trial, legal representation, Geneva Convention. (On the flip side, I hereby refer you all to the Gitmo: Both Sides Now post of earlier this week. Fair and balanced, fair and balanced.)

Even more exciting for everyone concerned, I’m sure, are reports of thrilling new development plans for Gitmo: a $30 million contract for a new and improved 220-bed prison, courtesy of Halliburton (well, a Halliburton sub). We know we need this because we know Gitmo ain’t going nowhere: “White House officials have said there are no plans to close the facility because the detainees being held there are too dangerous to release while the war on terror continues.” Well, build it strong n’ sturdy, because who knows when this war on terror is going to end? Oh, that’s right: nobody.

Uh, this post is about the media. Wait, do I hear music?

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