Editor's Note: Elliott Abrams is a senior fellow for Middle East studies at the Council on Foreign Relations, from which this piece is reprinted. You can read Abrams' blog Pressure Points here.
By Elliott Abrams, CFR.org
In the last year I have written several blog posts about the American hikers imprisoned in Iran, hoping to help keep attention focused on getting them freed. Like every American I was delighted to see them out, finally, yesterday.
But like many Americans, I was not delighted by the statement made immediately by one of the two, Shane Bauer. After thanking the Sultan of Oman for helping get them out, he said this:
Two years in prison is too long and we sincerely hope for the freedom of other political prisoners and other unjustly imprisoned people in America and Iran.
Who exactly are the “political prisoners” in America?
Can we have some names? Who exactly are the “unjustly imprisoned people” in America, and how precisely does Mr. Bauer know them to be “unjustly imprisoned” rather than convicted according to due process of law?
Given that Mr. Bauer has just suffered two years imprisonment by Iran for the crime of hiking and mistakenly crossing a border, is he entirely comfortable with his comparison of the two countries in the statement just quoted? So it would appear. Thinking of the immense diplomatic activity this country undertook to free him and the enthusiasm with which his liberation was greeted yesterday, that statement of his leaves a very bad taste.
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The author doesn't honestly believe that such a statement was freely given, does he??
Wait - you think the people of Oman told him to say this? I think I'm missing something.
ever heard of Stockholm Syndrome?
'As in Helsinki, Sweden'
maybe a few brain cells. can you read between the lines? or do you only understand what is spelled out for you.
Dear Mr. Abrahms, Shane Bauer was free to air his views!
It could be possible that Shane Bauer was released after negotiations between Switzerland and Iran! The Pakistani Taliban abducted 2 Swiss tourists in Balochistan on July 1 and demanded for the release of their "Joan of Arc", Dr. Aafia Siddiqui, sentenced to 86 years of prison by the New York Federal Court last autumn and is jailed in Texas. The Swiss Embassy in Teheran represents the U.S. in Iran. Maybe Switzerland had struck a deal with Iran on behalf of the U.S. Nevertheless the release of the two Americans was a welcome prelude for Ahmadinejad's appearance before the UN General Assembly. Nobody knows what went on behind closed doors. I'll see if Bauer's release would also lead to the returning home of the Swiss hostages.
GITMO you half-wit.
First, I agree he may have been told to say that. Sarah Shourd thanked Ahmedinijad if I am not mistaken. You have to realize they are not in America yet and they want o get to America and not be held in Oman due to a silly mistep of words. But even if what he says he really believes, Gitmo is of course the elephant in the room that anyone should realize is a major stain on the American justice system, hands down.
Who exactly are the “political prisoners” in America?
"GITMO you half-wit."
Well, that's not actually in the in the US is it?
I find it hard to believe that the author didn't immediately put two and two together. I'll take Gitmo for $200, Alex
Sorry, Allison64. Gitmo is incorrect. Gitmo is part of Cuba not America. You're down $200. Please play again.
Elliot Abrahms is out of touch, living in his ivory tower and memories of the past century!
al – if it were up to the cubans (alla the castros) would gitmo be on their soil?
Oh look, another p issing contest from a bunch of google enthusiasts who know just enough to be dangerous. I'll take letters of the alphabet for 200$ Alex....
How much do any of you know about GITMO and those detained? It may be a correct response, but I would be willing to wager your knowledge to be superficial at best.
it upsets me that Shane can now ridicule Pelican Bay. Shane you did nothing wrong, but inmates at Pelican Bay have been convicted of heinous crimes! USA prisoners have it so easy – that is why our prisons are overcrowded because inmates don't mind their stay at these prisons. Why have you come home to criticize the USA? We have it so good here! I think you have been brainwashed!!!!!!!!
There are many political prisoners in America. For example, the drugs laws are politically motivated. Why should tobacco and alcohol be legal and marijuana, or other substances, illegal? Because R. J. Reynolds pays a fortune in taxes to the government. That is purely a political system. Many other laws in this country are unjust. If you don't understand this, then you need to take your head of your rectal passage and look around.
Good god, you are an imbecile. Unjust and political are not the same thing.
You really are an idiot.
lol. you had to work way too hard to create this argument. fail.
You are a perfect example of why potheads should stay away behind bars. As far as this moron goes, he did not stay enough time in prison over there in order to get cured of stupidity.
Yeah, and I'll believe this guy and the other idiots were just hiking over there when I'll see Michael Moore kiss Cheney.
agreed. i dont smoke pot, but i think its retarded that ciggarettes can be legal despite the highly addictive chemicals ADDED to them. and the alcoholism and rage that derives from drinking is worse then just being high. definitely a political reason to make it illegal- it strains the justice system and combines non-violent "criminals" with violent criminals, and feeds the illegal drug organizations And the legal ones that provide "legit" painkillers.
While I agree with your post, I do not agree those imprisoned by unjust drug laws are political. But I also disagree with the following replies that call you names. They seem to be the morons, to call you names for this, when they seem to have lost the meaning of what you said and what Bauer said. Bauer did not say there were political prisoners in USA. If they could read, he said, in Iran and USA there are political and unjustly held people in prisons. If Iran has one political prisoner, and USA has one unjustly held prisoner, then his statement would be true.
Since 1980 the prison population in the USA has quadrupled, even though violent crime has gone down, thanks to drug laws. I think some of those prosecutions are unjust. Even if the USA would pay one billion to release him, he would not have principles if this changed his mind about is it ok to imprison people unjustly. Apparently the author Abrahms, is not made of such material, but of course he has been found guilty of withholding information from congress before, that is how he showed his patriotism.
First of all weed makes the users eyes all bugged out. The only time tobacco makes anyoens eyes watery is when a non smoker like me gets caught in the downstream draft. People on weed are bugged out, people smoking tobacco just have stinky breath and clothes
Do you think he was just tired and grouchy or is he finely able to show his true colors ? As the activist he is and the cowardliness that he shows by relating what his true feelings are for his Country.
Many people worked to help him and his friends become free from Iran's prison as result of there stupidity and naivety of being there in the first place. Now they will go on to make huge amounts of cash writing books of all the injustice in America, They will go on to talk shows to speak about how America is the Great Satan. Makes me wonder, Why Did WE Not Leave Them There ?
i think it's called freedom of speech or would you like this country to be like Iran
Totally agree with you!
Do you realize you are calling someone else out for stupidity when you don't seem to know the difference between "their" and "there"? Just my two cents.
@madmom....we are also exercising freedom of speech. And why do you you think you can say anything you like without it having consequences?
Man, those Iranians ARE evil. Imagine arresting innocent Americans who entered a war zone and decided to have a picnic on the Iraq/Iran border–and then accuse them of espionage! It is truly outrageous. It is especially horrible that they were subjected to sleep deprivation, water boarding, and uh wait a moment...Sorry, I got my governments mixed up.
You're right...because having a picnic on the boarder is exactly what Khalid Sheikh Mohammed was doing...not really a good synthesis of the two, try again!
I agree. Something similar happened to the Christian Science Monitor reporter who was held hostage in Iraq a few years ago. When she was released she wanted to be clear by saying that she was treated VERY WELL by her captors. Even though I have little sympathy here for the hikers' foolish decisions, I am cutting Shane some slack, unlike the senior fellow who sounds as though he is "life dumb".
I think he does.... he is up there with white house.. that's why he is bitter, cause it's not a "pretty nice thing to say"
The Sultan should send the little moron back. I love it when a dumb kid goes where he does not belong and then expects to be rescued by his government which, it now appears, he has no respect for in the first place. Either that or he's a new little Manchurian Candidiate.
Let the two of them say what ever they have to, to get home, then leave them alone to adjust and deal with the trama they both have suffered for the last two years. Let them eat and rest and then they will deal with everything but until then they are going to be on edge and saying everything told just so they wont be sent back or held up.
Amanda who goes hiking in Iran? An american has to be a complete idiot to hike there – I think he was a spy. A really really stupid one. Like if Kim Kardashian was a spy – that's the kind of spy she'd be – just like Shane Bauer.
Thank you! Well put
Amanda, congratulations on a truly thoughtful post. You are one of the few here with integrity and human kindness. Bless your heart.
@Bonju: They didn't go hiking in Iran. They were in Kurdistan, a peaceful, tourist region. No one even knows if they even actually crossed the border.
problem is these goons will get a made for TV movie and book deal
Translation: Don't criticize America. Of course their are no political prisoners in America. Of course everyone convicted in America is truly guilty. Of course he wouldn't dare have any gripes the "the perfect country". "What a Country!"
I'd love to know where the federal prison holding all the libs is located.
It sounds more like his tongue was loosened by the Sultan of Oman... not too bad of a trade-off for getting out of Iranian prisons. Mr. Abrams is just falling into the reactionary behavior that results from a 24 hour new cycle, where escalating outrage is the norm.
Thank you for saying it! "We give you the money to get out, you read the following statements." – is EXACTLY what happened here. They are still in Iran and have not been given leave to go home yet. He will say whatever they make him say until he's home. Wouldn't you?
If the author, or anyone else for that matter, doesn't believe there are political prisoners jailed in america then he needs to spend less time investigating his own bowels and more time keeping up with reality!
Name one. Please.
Isn't all of this criticism just a little premature, especially since we have no idea at this point what the conditions of release were, what Oman may or may not have asked in return for the $500K they paid, etc. Wait until they're back and making statements, then judge.
"Who exactly are the “unjustly imprisoned people” in America," Really? uh Guantanamo CIA prisons no trials or council or charges. I am certainly not advocating the release of a terrorist but we should be treating them like human beings
" “unjustly imprisoned people” in America," Really? uh Guantanamo"
You mean Guantanamo, Cuba, or Guantanamo, USA?
They eat better meals than our troops, get free korans, and every time I see Gitmo on the news they're playing soccer. Oh, duh! I must have just fell for that evil American propaganda again!
ever hear of the Swiss-chocolate syndrome? those who have been imprisoned against their will for extended periods without access to Swiss Miss hot coco, will say anything to get a taste of the dark, sweet drink again.
He is talking about the people in GITMO. Some of them, when released will no doubt join jihadist movements, some there have already killed Americans-probably. He is a young dreamer thinking of a world at peace.
Not only GITMO but all the other illegal detention centers were 'intelligence' is applying ILLEGAL practices to get tainted confessions. The Superiority syndrome of Americans brings havoc to innocent US citizens. Keep on meddling in other countries' business and see how much havoc you will provoke. USA capital: WACKO CITY
Given that the guy was imprisoned for two years, he ought to be comfortable saying anything he likes. Give him a break, Mr. Abrams. They've barely had 24 hours of freedom. The comments made by the American public towards the two hikers has been surprisingly and sadly negative. No mercy in this country, it seems.
my sentiments exactly.
Thank you Rachel and the other intelligent posters on here who don't judge when they don't know all the facts. You have integrity, humanity and empathy for others.
No, we had to pay $500,000+ to free his sorry butt so he needs to just shut up.
Nope the Omani Gov't paid it, not the US, we don't fund terrorist states, except Israel.
America did not pay the bail and if people would think out of the box, he is stating that people who are unjustly committed should be free. Key word is "unjustly." Give the guy a break!! He is making a general statement!
This is how arguments starts... people in take the wrong meaning and twist things around! Then everything is taken out of context and it becomes personal! Stop being so angry..it was not you who spent the last 2 years in prison, nor did you shell out $500, 000. As a matter fact, do something productive.. perhaps invest in a hobby.
"Nope the Omani Gov't paid it, not the US"
It's really rather silly to think that the Omani Govt ponied up a cool Million of their own money to gain release of two Americans of whom they have absolutely no connection.
On the other hand, just how much intelligence does Mr. Abrams expect from someone stupid enough to believe he could safely hike anywhere near the border of what might well be the most hostile nation on Earth towards America and Americans? Stupid is as stupid does.
Exactly. Should have left them where they sat. That statement is both insulting and grossly ignorant. They wanted a cool, "we're from Berkeley, we're so liberal and leftist" hike along the Iran border. Millions of interesting, cool and beautiful places to hike, but they pick Iran.
And who are these conspiracy nuts that think there's more to this story?? These were ultra-ignorant-liberal college kids who think they know what's going on in the world but in reality don't know diddly. They have their opinions, but have no clue why they hold them. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Kl5vihsERDw&feature=player_embedded
@Howard and "Shoulda let em rot": You are both vile humans. I can't believe you'd really say something so f–ing horrible. You really think two innocent people should "rot" in jail? Shame on you. Seriously. Shane and Josh have more bravery and courage than you'll ever have in your pinky finger. They are humanitarians and global citizens and were actually out trying to do something good in the world. I can only hope that you'll grow a brain and find even an ounce of the courage and kindness and compassion that Shane, Sarah and Josh have.
Why bother with 2 morons who were hiking where they shouldn't have been in the first place " oh we asked the locals where we were??" Nobody says don't hike where you want to .... just not where you don't have an actual fix on your position
Let me ask you the same ? – WHO GOES HIKING IN IRAN?
They didn't go hiking in Iran, moron.
What I find strange is this....here supposedly were these three out on a hike, and lured into Iran by a waving guard. Two of them lived in Damascus, Syria, and one was visiting. Now, not many Americans live in Syria, even adventurous ones. For those that do, if they were to get abducted, their workplaces and local friends would be in the international news telling when they last saw them, how great they were at their jobs, how sensitive they were to locals, how could this happen, etc. I've read all the coverage and never saw one mention of the school where Sarah Shourd taught, or any credible detail re how the other two supported themselves as "environmentalist" and "photojournalist". I honestly think something is strange with this story. That said, they are our countrymen, and I am glad they are home. No American deserves an Iranian prison and the political circus they've been victims of, period. Iran is the bad guy here, people.
@previous leon–whatever their intent, they did go hiking in Iran--MORON
Nice post Rachel. Thank you.
I have always felt there was more to this story than what was being reported. I heard the same thing this morning and Mr. Bauer made more emphasis on America and added Iran almost as an afterthought. This whole espionage and spying doesn't hold water, in my opinion.
Mr Abrams is right on. What an ungrateful jerk this Baur person is. He was stupid for putting himself in that situation to start with and after all the effort and money spent to free him and this is waht he says. I say – send him back and let his finish out his term.
You tell 'em, Ted. You are right on - and so is Mr. Abrams!
Bauer I bet is a trust fund baby and USA Taxpayers had to bail out his little berkley ass from jail – buhu – go back to prison you spoiled brat. They didn't push their wackers far enough up your behind.
C'mon, don't you guys know who Elliot Abrams is? He's a hard-line hawk who believes America can do no wrong. Enough said. That is hardly a credible stance to speak from. I am actually surprised that CNN would give him a forum to proliferate his right-wing views. Maybe they're just trying to catch up to Fox in the ratings by attracting more gung-ho, mindless atavistic types who get excited when the flag gets waved. Free speech only goes so far in this country – - as long as it does not score any direct hits on the sacred cows of the powers that be, it is fine and we can hold it up as an example of our great freedoms. But when it starts to hit home, things can get ugly in a hurry. We have forms of harassment that don't require imprisonment – - we can make life very hard for someone through other means of persuasion and intimidation.
I agree with much of what you have said. Reading all of these comments, I am aghast at the sheer number of both those like Abrams, and the parrots who have not evolved an understanding of their own, caught up in self-righteous uproar like moths to a flame.
THANK YOU.
You watch too many movies.
[1] The hikers made an error of judgement, it happens , cope!
[2] You didn't pay a cent for their freedom so what the hell are you griping about? It's none of your business
[3] Abrams is a journalist, and a pretty poor one at that. The young man made a statement two minutes after being imprisoned; he's still traumatized from the will they / won't they release us thing. He needs time to adjust.
[4] They met people in there who were possibly innocent; why wouldn't they want the same for those peope as they got – freedom
[5] Everyone in the world despises America for Gitmo – so if that's what he was referring to [and maybe asked to say as a 'goodwill gesture' ]- again so what, he's not harming his country. His country harmed itself with its waterboarding and torture.
For the trolls on here with their disgusting opinions, You disgrace your country.
For the Thinking, decent posters – you are a credit to America. You have integrity, humanity and dignity. Bless you.
Thank you, Semper Fi. I couldn't agree more.
He could have added "if any" and everything would have been ok.. ?
Elliott Abrams? Seriously, CNN? You can't find anybody more credible than the liar from the Iran-Contra scandals?
What an idiot would be hiking in that area in the first place? I hope there are more to this story than a casual outing...
There IS more to the story than a casual outing. The hikers had been studying in the middle east and were activists in mid-east issues. They know the larger area very well. They were hiking in Kurdistan, which has been a very stable, safe and beautiful tourist destination. Several of their colleagues had already gone, they researched carefully and there were no travel warnings for the area. They were essentially kidnapped by Iranian soldiers who ordered them over to the Iranian side.
THIS.. but the media doesn't portray it that way.
This author is a joke, Is he really asking who exactly are the “political prisoners” in America after Troy Davis's wrongful execution just last night? Too busy watching his reality television?
Troy Davis was not a "political prisoner." He was convicted of multiple violent crimes in several courts of law.
He said he wants the release of political prisoners AND those who are unjustly imprisoned. I think Troy Davis would fit into the unjustly imprisoned category – at least to many.
"Anna
I think Troy Davis would fit into the unjustly imprisoned category – at least to many."
...same could be said about OJ, but it wouldn't make that a valid point either.
Read the FACTS about the Davis case. If you are against the death penalty, fine. But there is no doubt he was guilty of murder.
Explain how Troy Davis was a political prisoner.
As much as I think that Davis' execution should have been suspended until more investigation has done. He is NO WHERE CLOSE to being a political prisoner.
"This author is a joke... Troy Davis's ...execution just last night?"
You must be joking. SB could not have been referencing TD. He's been cut off from almost all news for 2 years. You really think his first action upon release was to catch-up on US prisoners?
She wasn't suggesting that he was referencing Troy Davis. She was saying that Bauer said there are unjustly held prisoners in American, and cited Troy Davis as an example of that being true. Just because he isn't a political prisoner doesn't mean he wasn't wrongly imprisoned. And, I think he may be more of a political prisoner than we realize. Not in the same way as SSJ and others abroad, but you can't say that US politics were not involved in TD's execution. They were. Of course.
I think that Mr. Abrams needs to back off for a while. Before you start jumping down their throats lets let them get back home and try and get their lives together once more. I cannot begin to imagine what they endured these past 2 years...frankly I'm surprised they were able to make any relatively coherent statement. 2 years in prison in a foreign country, cut off from family and friends, the worry over whether or not they would ever be released or if they would be killed.....really, I hardly think you can hold them to any statements made at this point. These 2 young men are going to need lots of time to deal with everything. It amazes me how many people profess to know what happened to them and why it happened...that they were spies etc. Were YOU THERE? No, I didn't think so.....Welcome home gentlemen...welcome home....
He had two years to think about what he would say and this is what he came up with? He comes off as an ungrateful turd. Going for a "hike" in Iraq, near the Iranian border? In the present environment that was a little glib and careless. Alot of people in American government spent alot of time working on this entirely preventable "problem" that they created by their complete lack of judgment. Ungrateful indeed. Abrams is spot on here.
You're an idiot. Kurdistan is a safe tourist region. Do you REALLY think for one second that Iran, come on now- IRAN- wouldn't pull something like they pulled? I don't even believe that SSJ crossed the border. Guys with guns summoned them... they were kidnapped straight up.
You're giving someone that just got out of prison in Iran crap for the very first statement they make? Ever thought about what he may have gone through, how about the past 2 years of more than likely being told over and over again about the supposed "unjust" actions of the US? Give the kid a break.
Precisely. Guys, cut him some slack; you have no idea what horrors he's endured during the last two years.
I agree with this article. Also, we still do not know why 3 American were "studying" in Syria, "Vacationing" in Iraq, and trespassing in Iran. Honestly! Who goes to Syria for school and Iraq for vacation??!!!
Just because you wouldn't do it doesn't mean other people wouldn't. Students do study abroad programs all over the world, not just France.
Yeah – they deserve whatever happened to them for going to these faraway places with strange names that I know nothing about!
Thank you, Xindeed. You made me laugh. Too many Americans are woefully ignorant about geography, other cultures and the world around them. What happened to these three was essentially a kidnapping that occurred at a well-known tourist spot, previously considered quite safe and stable. There were no travel warnings for the area. They weren't even taking a risk, really. Now the US State Department is clear that travel anywhere near the Iranian border is unsafe.
OK, Ash, Name one US University that has a "study abroad" program in Syria. Try thinking before you post such a smug answer.
I'm not Ash, but a simple google search quickly showed both the University of Oklahoma and Boston University have programs in Syria. And I'll have to second Ash's comment.
UC Irvine has a study abroad program in Syria. That was from a 2 second google search. Seriously, you are way too sheltered.
@ Lily – a friend of mine from grad school studied Arabic in Syria for a year, back in 2001-2002. His year abroad in Syria was paid for by a grant through the US Government – http://www.nsep.gov – No, it isn't an undergrad "year-abroad" experience, but yes, you can (or could) go to Syria to study.
Could you be any more xenophobic? I don't think it's possible
Mr. Abrams, have you ever heard of Guantanamo Bay and the many prisoners who never saw a judge or court while held for years? I think there are more than 2 of those.
Political prisoners? OK, that would mean Bush probably put them there, but if that were true, why didn't Obama free them? Probably because they are NOT political prisoners, but have something to do with, um, what's that term...oh yeah...terrorism. Don't confuse the two.
It doesn't really matter much what you call it, fact is, the people in Guantanomo have been arrested and detained without due process and without ever having been convicted by a judge or a court of law. They are there because Bush/Obama said so, which goes counter to everything that America stands for.
Not confusing the two, Gitmo is an abhorrent chapter in American history, one Obama should be working to end much more quickly!
Abrams is talking out his anus. What about the secret international prisons and renditions? This argument is a joke.
GITMO is in CUBA.
Now we know why the U.S. government didn't pay the ransom to get these idiots out of jail.
These three are nothing more than lazy, spoiled brats posing as out of touch, idealistic hippies – I don't know which is worse, but it is obvious that Bauer and likely the other two are nothing more than ungrateful little s**ts.
Brain washed by Iranians or Some kind of a Stockholm Syndrome maybe??
at least someone is thinking
He said it and he meant it. He was an activist before he went to Iran & his good friends on NPR said they knew he was really still himself after they heard that statement. He was locked up for two years and he shouldn't have to say thank you to everyone and he may believe there are political prisoners in the US, many people do, Abu Graib and more. Did the author want a list of names during the press conference? Come on he wouldn't know the names he hasn't had more than minutes with anyone outside of the prison in two years. I think he said what he wanted to say and meant it and that is his right as a free American citizen.
well what do you expect they seem like idiots and they apparantly are to do what they did; they need to go away; obviously they are activists of some sort so they were up to no good at the border; plus they look goofish
Yeah, because sitting on your but complaining about activists is so much more productive- get an education
Also, we don't know what they were told before leaving Iran. For instance, they might have been told that the prisoners in the next cell would be killed if they didn't say something negative about the US or flattering to Iran.
Mr. Elliott Abrams,
Are you suggesting there are no wrongly or unjustly imprisoned people in the US? Many may argue one was put to death last night...
And many more will not argue that.....
Well, good. That means there is an open space for abramovitz when they finally get him for theatening American citizens.
They're all bail-jumping fugitives from Iranian justice. I would like to see all three apprehended and returned to Iran to finish out their terms. After all, they were afforded due process in Iran. It's funny how these liberal, America-bashing Berkeley grads railed against our "evil" government and ran to Damascus as soon as our system educated them. Then, when one of those "mean" middle eastern countries nabbed them, the US didn't seem so bad. These three pillow biters wanted the US to do everything in its power to rescue them from a region that anyone with a 1/4 of a brain would have the sense to avoid. Now that they're free again, at least one of them is comfortable bashing the US again. Losers
After his checkered career, Elliott Abrams denying knowledge of "unjustly held people in America" is like Donald Rumsfeld denying knowledge of rendition, black ops and torture.
Elliot Abrams is nothing more than a pimp for the patriarchy.
Given what happened to Troy Davis last night, I think Mr. Bauer's statement has some truth to it.
But then Mr. Bauer likely never heard of him and thus couldn't have been talking about him.
He didn't say he was talking about Troy Davis. He just cited an example of why it would be true.
I agree with Ted. What a jerk this kid is. With all the beautiful areas in the world to hike, they pick a Middle East hotbed that the US State Department has deemed unsafe, IN CAPITAL LETTERS!!! They took a great risk, it didn't work out and then they got bailed out to the tune of 1.5 million for the three of them, and his first comment is make a pointed remark about prisoners unjustly imprisoned in America??? So, are you guys going to repay the 1.5 million ransom/bail money that was forked over to get you home? When you do, you can make your empty political statements if you are still enjoying your 15 minutes of fame.....and for the naive moron who brought up Troy Davis as a reference point: Read the case. Troy Davis was a manipulative plychopath who played the bleeding hearts all he could right up until the end. His preppie glasses and contrite public persona didn't fool anyone who lived in Savannah at the time of his heartless execution of a young police officer.
Lilly you have the poorest rhetorical skills of almost anyone on this page. you have so many logical fallacies in your argument that the whole things reveals simply how ignorant you truly are!
Perhaps it was required by the Islamic Republic of Iran or it was told so many times in prison that the Americans were'brainwashed;. Go to http://ww.tehrantimes.com/index.php/politics/2546-to-request-to-release–two-us-citizens-under-study Online 14 September 2011 08:55 in Print Tuesday 15 September 2011,...Iran Judiciary...dismissed reports that Shane Bauer and Joshua Fattal arrested in Iran...have been released...The Judiciary also said that only the reports published by the Judiciary could be trusted. In the same it was mentioned that US is holding prisoners unaccounted for.
Are you kidding me? Personally, I'm grateful for Shane Bauer's courageous statement. We drop bombs on children from unmanned drones, have an ex-Vice President who doesn't consider waterboarding torture, have current laws where people can be imprisoned indefinitely with no proof of having committed a crime and you're suggesting that Shane Bauer needs to be reprimanded for suggesting we may have imprisoned people unjustly? We have; there's not a question there.
And, have we so quickly forgotten that just YESTERDAY we executed a man whose guilt was seriously in question, a man who most likely was innocent. But, even if guilty, we have a death penalty!
To act like we're pristine when we're dropping bombs on children in Pakistan, have killed hundreds of thousands of innocent civilians in Afghanistan and Iraq, and have military bases in over 130 countries around the world, is a sure sign you've lost your mind, Mr. Abrams.
Right on! Keep speaking the truth!
Finally... someone with a brain speaks the truth.
Mr Abrams, we have political prisoners. Either you are not looking, for which a person in your position in the world has no excuse or not honest with yourself or your readers. I was glad he said what he did. It recognizes that we are all of us complicit in some way, all or most countries, in putting people in prison for political reasons. We may not be the worst at it but we are, as a nation, among those that have some fuzzy lines about imprisonment, executions, sentencing in general. If you can't admit this truth then you are feeding the delusion that somehow the US is "above" such behavior. Wrong on your part.
"Who exactly are the “political prisoners” in America?" Most Americans are political prisoners at this time – shackled by a government more interested in war, bankers and bureaucrats than in keeping our borders secure, stopping the drug trade and ensuring that businesses behave in an orderly fashion rather than like rampaging wild beasts. At the end of 2009 7,225,800 American adults were under correctional supervision. Meanwhile the "Justice" department continues to fund and operate schemes like 'Fast and Furious' and if you think that is an exception you are wrong. That's the way they do business. I think those two guys who the Iranians arrested got off easy. The Iranians could have killed them. It was the media that gave them the attention they sought. Two years is not long ... must be a thrill seeker. Ridiculous – both the article and those two immature boys.
Hey pinko – no criticizing the USA, you traitor! Unless you're talking about the federal government, which should be completely defunded and allowed to collapse.
HA-made me laugh!
Well, Mr. Abrams. This is a rather trumped-up thing to be p'd off about, don't you think?
Who exactly are the “political prisoners” in America?
Hmm Let see ... May be Bradley Manning, and Leonard Peltier?
If we return them to Iran, can we get our money back?
He's outta prison, He's American...He can say what ever he likes! Next News please!
thanks for this, george.
now get sober you people – ever heard of free speach? if you don't wanna listen to someone, then don't.
This statement is obviously something that was dictated to him to say as part of the "deal" for their freedom. It has the same nonsensical tone as most of the Iranian statements in the media. Keep in mind that he said it while still in Oman.
Take their passports and send them a bill. Don't forget the $1M bail that "GUESS WHO" will end up paying
he bud, this $1M fore saving a life are well spent peanuts.
cheap compared to what you payed for killin' ppl – ever heard of the war on terror? pricey thing, that
Just playing Devil's advocate but he could be talking about people held at Guantanamo for 10 years without being charged with a crime.
"Just playing Devil's advocate but he could be talking about people held at Guantanamo"
Only if he thinks Guantanamo is no longer attached to Cuba.
Well there are those cubans that are staying for 15 years in prison here for spying on the miami cubans for Fidel without registering with the CIA. I guess they had judgment and were prosecuted according to our laws but, why did we turn back Israelis and Russian spys to their nations the next day we find them and just follow procedure with the cubans?
Reminiscent of the Manchurian Candidate. Perhaps that is why they were freed. I would keep a close watch on those three. Having said this, I am grateful for anyone who manages to escape that living hell.
Wow, those commies really come out for free speech when one of their own steps on his tongue. Send him back.
You are an embarrassment of an American.
abrams your the same old right wing ass that got us into all these wars when you worked for the bushies. get a real job you magget.
(SP) It's "MAGGOT." (Is there a correlation between spelling and intelligence?)
It's sometimes hard to generate a lot of sympathy for two guys who were so ignorant that they got themselves into this predictable mess.
Names, you want names – Leonard Peltier, the Cuban 5, Mumia, Lynn Stewart, Bradley Manning are a few. And the present Administration is desperately trying to add more to the list.
Do I need to say, Leonard Peltier, yes a political prisoner in America wake-up general public not everything is what it seems on either side of this issue.
AND ALL OF YOU THOUGHT A RECTUM COULDN'T BE TAUGHT HOW TO SPEAK....
Naw, we learned our lesson with W....
Err... ever hear of Guantanamo Bay? We've been holding (and torturing!) people without trial for much more than two years. Are you willing to vouch for the absolute guilt of every single one of those men?
"Err... ever hear of Guantanamo Bay?"
Ever hear that Guantanamo Bay is in Cuba?
You're an idiot. The US owns/operates Gitmo. It doesn't matter that it's physically in Cuba. That wasn't the spirit of the comment. Gitmo is the US.
DUH.
"rhys
You're an idiot. The US owns/operates Gitmo. It doesn't matter that it's physically in Cuba. That wasn't the spirit of the comment. Gitmo is the US. DUH."
Not only are you incorrect, your childlish insult of name-calling "idiot" is rightly attributed to yourself.
Gitmo is not the US. And it does matter that it's physically in Cuba. SB said "America" not North America, not South America, not Americas. If he wanted to say Gitmo, let him say it. He's an honors grad of UC Berkeley and is smart enough to say exactly what he means.
If we are to quibble over his precise meaning or reference, it's a far cry for you in "spirit of the comment" to go 'round calling others an "idiot."
I think the author completely misses the intent of the message. He is saying that being imprisoned for no reason is a horrifying journey, and he wishes that on no one. He hopes for the freedom of all people here and abroad who are imprisoned unjustly. I agree with him. We have plenty of people here who are imprisoned and are innocent. Just look at the US record for executing people and then later finding out they were innocent. So shame on the author of this article for looking to create an article, when in reality, he just couldn't find a good story and is dramatizing something that isn't even there. Pish.
Maybe he's referring to Guantanamo?? Or any of the other prisons, secret or otherwise, we detain people in around the world with no charges for years at a time??
But really the guy hasn't been out for 24 hours after being held prisoner in Iran and you're already trying to pick him apart?
"Maybe he's referring to Guantanamo??"
He can't be referring to Guantanamo since he said America, not Cuba.
Ah. I see. You don't have a brain... you just keep saying the same thing, over and over, on repeat. Gotcha. You don't know how to think.
I'll say it again: Gitmo is the US. It doesn't matter that it's physically in Cuba. It's a US Military occupied location, which means, for all intents and purposes, it is the US.
"Ah. I see. You don't have a brain... you just keep saying the same thing, over and over, on repeat. Gotcha. You don't know how to think.
I'll say it again: Gitmo is the US. It doesn't matter that it's physically in Cuba. It's a US Military occupied location, which means, for all intents and purposes, it is the US"
Posters repeatedly assume SB refers to Gitmo, As such I repeatedly post that they are mistaken since Gitmo is still physically in Cuba. You or no one else can definitively claim that SB refers to Gitmo in his "America" statement. For all intents and purposes you are wrong again. The brain-less non thinkers are those who assume too much about others.
"Posters repeatedly assume SB refers to Gitmo, As such I repeatedly post that they are mistaken since Gitmo is still physically in Cuba. You or no one else can definitively claim that SB refers to Gitmo in his "America" statement. For all intents and purposes you are wrong again. The brain-less non thinkers are those who assume too much about others."
Uhm... no. You're the one who keeps saying over, and over, and over like a broken record incapable of synthesizing thought that Gitmo is in Cuba. No one has assumed that's what SB meant. People are citing that as an example. Geebus. Try thinking. What a concept.
The author must be speaking from a point of privilege. I'm sure others have already mentioned political prisoners such as: mumia abu jamal, leonard peltier, geronimo pratt, etc. Former prisoners Angela Davis and Assata Shakur. What planet is the author on?
I was thinking of detainees held at Guantanamo Bay, especially since these hikers have been active in mid-east issues, but could be those you listed as well, that he's referring to as "political prisoners". Two years in prison is long enough to think about anyone and everyone held unjustly.
Yo Malcom....Mumia IS NOT A POLITICAL PRISONER...HE IS A CONVICTED COP KILLER ! ONE MORE TIME ...HE IS A CONVICTED COLD BLOODED COP KILLER ! BIG DIFFERENCE. I SUGGEST YOU LOOK UP THE DEFINITIONS AND DO YOUR HOMEWORK BEFORE YOU TYPE OTHERWISE YOU MIGHT BE MISTAKEN FOR WHOOPIE GOLDBERG !
he mr castle, just a hint: writing with capslock is bad style, like shouting.
ppl shoutin' usually don't have the best arguments.
nevertheless i agree – he's convicted, thus a less outrageous case compared to gitmo/abu ghraib.
but – many political prisioners are convicted – all over the world. conviction itself does not make a just and fair trial
How can you deny the relationship between prison and politics in America the day after a potentially innocent black man was murdered by lethal injection by the US government?
"INNOCENT BLACK MAN" MAYBE YOU DIDN'T GET THE MEMO COOKIE...HE WASN'T INNOCENT....HE WAS TRIED AND CONVICTED...EVERY SINGLE LEGAL RECOURSE WAS EXTENDED TO THIS COP KILLER! DID THAT SINK IN? IT EVEN WENT TO THE HIGHEST COURT IN THE NATION...NEVER DONE BEFORE...AND STILL...HE WAS DENIED. BE GRATEFUL...THE STATE OF GEORGIA COULD HAVE EXECUTED HIM AT 7:PM..THEY HAD EVERY RIGHT TO DO SO...BUT THEY WAITED...JUST IN CASE...SO, DO YOURSELF A FAVOR TAKE YOUR HEAD OUT OF THE COOKIE JAR AND PAY ATENTION TO THE FACTS NOT FABRICATION.
I believe Bauer is referring to those held in places like Guantanamo Bay and other, "secret" prisons, held indefinitely, without due process of any kind. Even though he was unjustly imprisoned by a Muslim nation in the middle east, he still has the integrity to bring up the issue of Muslim "detainees" held since 2002, in legal limbo, by the U.S.
Bravo!!
"I believe Bauer is referring to those held in places like Guantanamo Bay"
Unlikely since he said America not Cuba. He graduated with honors from UC Berkeley and should know the difference between the two countries.
Damn, you really do sound like a brainless, broken record! I'd like to have five bucks for every time you've posted this totally lame (and kind of ignorant comment).
If others would stop being geographically brain dead, there would be no need for anyone to point out their error.
No one is geographically brain dead. Everyone is fully aware that Gitmo is physically in Cuba. But it is a US military prison. Is this seriously the best argument/point you can come up with? Must be, since that's all you keep saying over and over.
this is a non-issue. he is bound to be interviewed extensively in the days ahead and his views will be clear to all. no one should be convicted without due process....even in the media.
*** Who exactly are the “unjustly imprisoned people” in America, and how precisely does Mr. Bauer know them to be “unjustly imprisoned” rather than convicted according to due process of law? ****
Can you really be this dense? The Bush administration detained people without trials for years, and Obama hasn't been much better. True, most of them are not technically in America, but rather Gitmo or who knows how many secret CIA prisons overseas. But this has been done specifically to avoid due process.
I believe they said he and his girlfriend used to live in Syria for a while, he should thank God he was not imprisoned in Syria he would have totally disappeared from this earth, and I agree with Mr Abrams , how about mentioning the United States in his speech and thanks, I understand he was under stress but God Bless America that worked on his release
What makes you think the American government had anything to do with their release? The US basically ignored them, wouldn't advocate for them, and didn't put up the money.
Lesson – don't go hiking in Iran.
Except, they didn't. So, what's the lesson?
I'm guessing the next hiking trip will be along the South Korean boarder with North Korea.
he probably got brainwashed or stockholm syndrome or something. give him some time to get his mind back.
Should have left him in the Iranian prison.
Bauer is a moron. First of all, what kind of idiot goes hiking in Iraq during a war? The kind who talks about political prisoners in the U.S. two seconds after he was freed. While we're not a perfect country, those that are imprisoned here get their due process. Anybody who thinks otherwise needs to undergo the experience that Bauer did and see how good we have it. As for Guantanamo and elsewhere, the individuals at those facilities have taken up arms against this country. I'm a combat veteran. War isn't pretty and people taken prisoner fighting Americans need to go somewhere. Maybe fewer people would be less critical if they had the courage to fight for their country instead of criticizing it from the sidelines.
Funny, Iran said the same thing about these guys.
He's been stockholmed. You spend 2 years in a jail cell in Iran and see how you like it.
He has also had 2 years to think about what to say.
he was coached. No doubt about that. He is also shell shocked and terrified. Free in person yes, free in spirit, no.
The US is holding people in prisons around the world, who have not been charged and have no ability to contest their detention (because they are not US citizens). Some of these people may have been defending themselves when US troops stormed into their countries and homes. The so called military tribunals are just a formal process of declaring someone guilty with no trial. The verdict is decided before the hearing.
remember that guy Troy Davis our tax dollars paid to execute yesterday? unjustly imprisoned and unjustly killed
Yeah. That's the stylish thing to say, Danny boy.
And just how often did the evil Iranian government waterboard these prisioners?
Do you know what goes on in an iranian prison? There's a reason for that.
He might have been referring to Gitmo but he also could have been saying what he had to say to protect others who might be held in Iran. In any case, get off his back. Prisoner's of war often say things immediately after their release that were a result of their experience or to protect others. Abrams should be ashamed of himself for even writing this piece. It's cruel, serves no purpose and is the epitome of arrogance.
Waaaa, waaa, waaa, he didn't thank me!! Waaa, waaa, waaa. Give me friggin a break. Oman paid $1 million total for both guys and apparently they should not get a thank you. I mean this poor guy wrote a few blogs while sitting on his couch, sipping a bordeaux in his nice house, enjoying his freedom. Mr Abrams defintely should have got the first thank you.
The author's complaint is based on the premise that no one...not anyone...anywhere in the United States is unjustly detained. He also assumes that once due process of law has happened, imprisonment is "just". This ignores the possibility of false convictions; the guy was just released after being falsely convicted of espionage, after having been given due process of law in an Iranian court. Was his imprisonment unjust?
I won't mention Guantanamo bay, where folks are detained without access to a court...that's too complicated for the author to understand.
Don't know what's sadder:
1) That I'm reading the comments on CNN
2) The people who write comments on CNN
3) Elliott "Pants-on-Fire" Abrams
4) that fact that we've killed 1 million Iraqis since Desert Storm
Number 4.
How could you even include 4) with the first three? We should be discussing how irresponsible it is what you said.
I'm afraid I have to agree with you on that. With regard to the two "hikers".. what the hell would anyone, let alone and American, be doing "hiking" on the border of Afghanistan and Iran in 2009? Although I hardly think those two idiots were spying, they were there for some motivation other than the lovely arid landscape.
Shame Bauer is a journalist who was covering the region. You can find much of his work online, in The Nation, etc. He happened to be with his fiance and a visiting friend at the time, and they were in Kurdistan, not Afganistan.
Is the other guy his fiance?
Abram how long have you been with Al Qida, you're inane. He was a man who was unjustly imprisoned for crossing a mytical border that I'm sure was well marked.
I'm pretty sure that if I were just freed from an Iranian Prison after two years of incarceration, A.) I couldn't possibly care less about what the author, or any other member of the media (Or anyone outside my immediate family) thinks or writes and B.) I would probably not be at the top of my game emotionally, mentally, or spiritually. Jeez, reporter, give the guy a freakin' break, will ya?
This is a loser trying to be different. All of the places to hike and this idiot decides to hike in Iran.
The author can relax. I did not care about the hikers when they were in prison, and I don't care now. They deserved what they got, and I think they are incredibly lucky that they got out after only 2 years. Thousands of miles of trails in the US, I suggest they use them next time.
You're disgusting. Deserved what they got? So, go ahead and go on vacation and get kidnapped, and then allow us to sit here behind our computers and post online about how you deserved what you got.
SSJ are humanitarians and global citizens. They didn't do anything wrong. They got kidnapped in a peaceful region by Iranian soldiers with guns. Give me a break... you're horrendous.
So the Saudis put up the $1 million bail? Out of the goodness of their hearts? Or is this merely a device to launder State Department monies furnished ultimately by the American Taxpayers? We need to get the full truth, because funding the bail for these adventurous and reckless youngsters is not a legitimate application of dollars from the U.S. government. If charities pick up the tab, that's fine; and if the Saudis are doing this as a noble human rights gesture, that's okay, too. But follow the money and make sure it hasn't come from the U.S. Treasury.
You are right EF, follow the money..............
Abrams is either naive or an idiot to believe that the U.S. government hasn't imprisoned individuals for unjust or political motivations. Not to mention that our government casts a pretty wide net under the cover of "national security".
The only thing more absurd than this article is the level of common sense used by these 3 hikers who got themselves into this mess. While two years is a long time to think over their actions, it was a situation that was completely avoidable.
I'm not an idiot. My name isn't "Augie".
The US government executed an innocent man last night. You might wait until Troy Davis' body is cold before writing about how perfect this "justice" system is.
This is your opinion Timothy, why do you stand up for such a degenerater? I am glad we have the death penalty........
An "innocent man"??? Sounds like you swallowed the story about SEVEN witnesses committing perjury to put a guy on death row and then saying they were just kidding. How gullible are you, Timothy?
"INNOCENT MAN" ....HAVE YOU EVER THOUGHT ABOUT DOING STAND UP COMEDY, TIM ? YOU AND THE THOUSANDS LIKE YOU WHO THINK A CONVICTED COLD BLOODED COP KILLER WAS EXECUTED UNJUSTLY NED TO TAKE YOUR HEADS OUT OF THE SAND. YOU ONLY HEAR WHAT YOU WANT...YOU ONLY SEE WHAT YOU WANT BUT IN REALITY, YOUR JUST SOME BLEEDING HEART LIBERAL WHO JUST DOESN'T GET IT ! TROY DAVIS WAS A MAGGOT PREYING ON SOCIETY. HIS LEGAL TEAM EXHAUSTED EVERY POSSIBLE LEGAL ANGLE EVEN GOING TO THE U.S. SUPREME COURT...AND...STILL THE VERDICT STOOD...NOT EVERY STORY HAS A DISNEY ENDING.
Why did being convicted of lying to Congress not permanently end Abrams' career in public life? Why is he not universally shunned for his anti-democratic actions? Crooks and traitors are treated like statesmen in this country, while honest public servants are vilified. I don't get it.
Shane – stay in Iran if you love their form of government so freaking much. You would think two years of solitary confinement would humble you and make you grateful for being an American citizen.
I'm sure Shane will love to make money off of his miserable little story – at the expense of the United States once again.
What is wrong with you. Do some hard time in any prison and get back to us on how you feel.
What a stupid ungrateful little letch. How dumb is someone to hike near the border of Iran, then when he is freed to return to him own homeland, he disses his homeland. Ungrateful little letch, I hope he gets the reception he deserves!
The author knows EXACTLY who this kid was talking about - Jonathan Pollard. Think long and hard about that and you'll see why Iran's charges against them don't seem so trumped up after all ...
I'm so glad to read this blog. I thought I had misunderstood the statement Shane Bauer made. I hope someone calls on him to explain his sudden criticism of his own country. Maybe he should have continued to enjoy the hospitality of his captors since he seems now to side with them. I'm curious if crossing that border was an accident as they profess it was. Perhaps these three are the actually the smoke and mirrors.
you might look at the VAST majority of America's incarcerated over simple marijuana possession as a start; then on to those subjected to racial profiling and immigration arrests...We rank rather low on our level of 'justice' (we are one of the barbaric countries that still maintains a death penalty!) and are far away from the pinnacle of freedom and justice for all that our 9th grade civic textbooks heralded. Our country needs some serious self review.
Michael, if you don't like the way things are done in the US, go some place else you like better–bet you would be hard pressed to find a country better. You ungrateful little letch.lllllllll
oh yeah – sure you'd enjoy everyone not satisfied with the status quo leaving the country – but – ever heard of democracy? maybe even of the intention to change something to the better instead of just leaving? us is far from ideal and we're not goin' to leave it to the mental infantry.
Scarlet my dear, we don't have to leave, just change what we don't like. Ppl like you are on the list of don't likes. Scarlet, you smell smoke? I think the plantation house is on fire.....
Do you have any rational thoughts at all, Michael?
He obviously does, and wrote them down for us to read. They are rather poignant, do you understand why? I don't believe you do. Do you have anything to contribute but snark and ignorance?
Of course we have political prisoners. That's part of the Patriot Act, being able to arrest anyone without giving them access to a layer or due process, or even being charge with a specific crime, and not being able to notify their families that they are being detained. And we know that many people at Gitmo were randomly picked up, have not been charged or allowed attorneys, and are being held simply because they are Muslims and were caught up in big sweeps. And I'll bet that most countries have political prisoners.
Give they guy some credit. He was held against his will in a foreign country for two years. And nameless though they may be, there are almost certainly other political prisoners in Iran. I'm sure there are many who say that these people were not political prisoners, but the fact of the matter is that if they were not American citizens, they would have either been set free long ago or executed. Either way, we likely would have never heard of them. Also, many of you refuse to believe that a democracy such as the U.S. doesn't have political prisoners. News flash – we do. And being a political prisoner for two years will definitely give one insight on how much it sucks to be one in any country.
Really...how pathetic picking at straws like this...hes been in jail for 2 years in a foreign country for spying?? something even more pathetic with no hope of being released having to watch what he says...does...get a grip when you have walked a mile in his shoes
You might have mentioned that this guy is a total idiot as is anyone other than a goat herder who spends his vacation hiking along the Iraqi/Iranian border.
Reagan, ooh goat-herder. Not a facist right? Are you mad cuz they got all they sweet tail on hand and all you got is your sister?
Oh please, they were wrongly held for TWO YEARS IN AN IRANIAN PRISON as spies, which they weren't. They were just fools who need to pick their tourist sites better. They just spent two years being played as fodder between two countries, they were used as examples of how competent Iran was protecting the people from these obviously highly dangerous international spies, not knowing how long they ultimately would be imprisioned in a country run by a backward, unpredictable, nuclear arming, mad man controlled government along with an equally unpredictable, human rights violating religious counsel. It was probably made no secret that mentioning the "wrongly imprisioned political prisioners" in America would be beneficial to these poor guys. How about cutting the guy some slack, if I had been imprisoned in Iran where you can be shot, hanged or beheaded for blowing your nose wrong, you better believe I would say anything they wanted me to in order to get myself the hell away from that area of the world & back where my life & human rights are protected.
Unfortunately, there are political prisoners in our very own USA; some are more domestic/national political prisoners like Sholom Rubashkin (please visit http://www.sholomacrossamerica.org), and some are international political prisoners such as Jonathan Pollard. I love our country too but please do not be naive to suggest that there are no political prisoners here.
Pollard? You mean the guy who spied against us for Israel? I'm very pro-Israel but, we should have fried that guy.
correction: http://www.justiceforsholom.org
He has been in prison, and probably needs a well deserved psyche evaluation with extensive counseling. No telling what kind of mind games he has had to endure. Leave him alone. He's been through enough.
WELL DUH! I heard that dude say "political prisoners in America" and I figured it was a VERBAL SLIP.
Lord knows this guy's been in prison IN IRAN FOR TWO YEARS. Most likely he's a little disillusioned. And perhaps as a regular dude, he's probably not used to having someone shove a microphone into his face every day.
My thought on this is, this news story should not have been published, until such time as the writer could corroborate BEYOND DOUBT that what Bauer was trying to say was exactly what he said.
Until then, please don't expect ME to be verbally accurate in anything I say if you try to shove a microphone and video camera into my face, I'm liable to stare and start hyperventilating.
I think being in the iranian jail for two years has brain washed him. Thats why he made that comment.
Heloooo, don't we have people imprisioned in Guantanamo without due process. I am sure there a plenty of terrorists over ther, but maybe there are innocent ones too.
The Patriot Act makes all of us political prisoners except they don't have to tell anyone what happened to you.
Elliot,
Agreed. He misspoke. Consider the age. Consider your experience inside the beltway. He should be admonished but not held up to scorn, ridicule or cross-examination. I do, however, take issue with the punishment meted out to citizens of this country. We have one individual in particular that is being held in "detention", that being Khalid Sheikh Mohammed. Troy Davis was executed after being convicted of murdering a Georgia police officer. He maintained his innocence minutes before he was scheduled to die of...'homicide'...(I believe that's the term used on the death certificates issued by state penal systems for a state adjudicated execution). Khalid Sheikh Mohammed, however, has pretty much, through his religious piousness and via water-boarding, admitted to being the brainchild of 9/11. Almost three thousand souls lost their lives via his grandiose belief in a higher power over us wee, insignificant humans here on earth. Who's still living, breathing and eating and sleeping? Pick your battles, Elliot. And do some earnest reflection on the human condition rather than seeing things through a bureaucratic eye.
Roberto,
Stick your head in the beltway and cinch it tight.
Is this article a joke? A challenge? Here's a SHORT list.
Bernard von NotHaus
Lt. Col Lakin
Irwin Schiff, Peter’s father
Bradley Manning, allegedly for turning in videos showing cover-up of civilian murder. He is being imprisoned without trial or writ of Habeas Corpus.
Marc Emery, Ron Paul supporter, magazine publisher from BC, Marijuana activism.
Leonard Peltier
Assata Shakur, if she hadn't escaped to Cuba – GO ASSATA!
Albert Woodfox, former Black Panther, conviction just overturned after 30 YEARS in solitary confinement.
Zolo Azania
Mumia Abu Jamal
And this doesn't even BEGIN to cover the people locked up illegally in Guantanamo or the sick secret renditions our government has participated in, shipping people off to some foreign gulag to be tortured. But I guess Mr. Abrams here would say they don't count because, after all, they're not "actually" in America. Sick creep.
Here Here! Best response on this post.
Before you condemn this kid, go to Wikipedia and check out Elliott Abrams.
He is just a Republican Chickenhawk.
He was convicted in 1991 on two misdemeanor counts of unlawfully withholding information from Congress during the Iran-Contra Affair investigation.
As assistant Secretary of State during the 1980's, he was accused of covering up atrocities committed by the military forces of US-backed governments, such as those in El Salvador, Honduras, and Guatemala, and the rebel Contras in Nicaragua
He is a classic example of iokiyar ! (it's ok if you are a republican)
you should google Sean Bauer's profession.
then it may make a little more sense
Over the last few days writer after writer had little sympathy for these two young men even going so far as to make anti-semitic remarks about them. They were thought to believe in Judaism and thus were clearly spying for Israel. How different the remarks are now that Mr. Abrams gave his viewpoint. It is just that – his viewpoint.
The continual harping at each other will not bring us any closer to a world of peace and harmony.
I bet Ahmadinijad is very proud of Mr. Bauer.
poor argument. not everything the evil guy appreciates is evil. i'm sure Ahmadinijad[sic] loves to sleep sometimes – is sleeping evil? just turn the colors on, you b/w guy!
After two years in an Iranian prison, I think journalists should refrain from scrutinizing the comments of the man just freed. We have no knowledge of what he endured, and though I know little about him, I will speculate that he has about as much experience with speaking to the press as the writer of this article does with being a prisoner of a country engaged in a 'Cold War' with the United States. How about cutting the guy a little slack and saving your judgements until the guy's at least slept one night in his own bed... Geez. And by the way, if it was me, all I would do is parrot Iranian propaganda until safely on U.S. soil. Oman is a little close to the prison in question... And while I'm at it, why must they stay in Oman for 'a couple of days' ????
Well, Elliot, you big doofus, if you want to know what Shane Bauer meant by that, why don't you ask him?
Send him back to Iran and let them ask the questions.
America...as in North and South America...
They deserve their behinds whipped for trekking in Iraq into Iran thinking that it was their right to do so. Off alll the places, they have to trek in Iraq to become a liability for US. Should have been left to rot in the Iranian prison to become someones prized possession.
Well well...the little twit does have a sac...maybe he grew them while in prison. HE COULD HAVE SAID ALOT OF THINGS LIKE THE FOOD SUCKED OR THEY BEAT THE SNOT OUT HIM EVERYDAY, OR THEY MADE HIM DRINK HIS OWN PEE...NO...HE CHOSE TO THROW A NICE SIZED LAWN DART AT HIS HOMELAND. BEFORE HE EVEN GETS HERE! SO, SHANE...I GUESS WITHOUT FURTHER ADO...YOU REALLY DID EARN THE COVETED INITIALS OF P.O.W ! YES, AND I AGREE...YOU REALLY ARE A.........................PIECE OF WORK.................!
I think it is safe to say that there are some prisoners in Guantanamo (I know, not technically prisoners in America, but still prisoners of America) who are being unjustly imprisoned, without charges, for years now.
Yeah, it's safe to say. You're in the U.S. and you can lie all you want.
Or turn a blind eye to our own misbehavior. If you can live with such a low moral standard, that's your issue. I have a conscience.
Anyone who equates the justice and prison systems of Iran and the United States is......well....completely beyond hope.
how lucky gitmo is outside US territory
Gitmo is a country club. Let me run it and I'll give you something to whine about.
Last time I checked, Iran was the most democratic nation in the middle east, granted which means very little, yet it is first on our list to bring down. We support democracy NOWHERE. Not here, not there, not in a chair, not in the air, not on the ground, not in a town, not on a bus, its not for us. We've become passive drones, slaves, submitted to corporate agendas. Our leaders and representatives have shown us the way. A little fear, a little lies, some coercion, voila, Yankee surprise. No, I'm not nuts, this objective reporting just brings to mind a great hero and legend, Dr. Suess. Why couldn't he, or she?, be president? We might find some direction, at least away from self-destruction.
and don't even bring up their last presidential election, so could of been America, Admenabush in Floran.
Send Bauer back.
Why don't you take his place? You certainly don't seem to be contributing anything of value here.
This is one of the dumbest columns I've ever read. Did it ever occur to you that after two years of living in a dungeon and tortured by third world thugs that maybe – just maybe – they're not in the best mental state right now? Give the man a freakin break.
By the way, there are lots of people in America wrongly imprisoned. Over 100 have been released from death row because of shoddy evidence or outright misconduct by police and prosecutors. Get a clue.
citing George:
"He's outta prison, He's American...He can say what ever he likes! Next News please!"
may everyone please leave this article? everything has been said here, the ignorant ones won't learn anyway
He's talking about prisoners in Guantanamo Bay...jeez this article is dumb
"He's talking about prisoners in Guantanamo Bay...jeez this article is dumb"
No, it dumb to think that Guantanamo Bay is longer part of Cuba.
This child in a mans body has his mistakes to learn from as do his two friends. I believe they made the mistake of getting caught in a country that is openly hostile to America and American interests. I do not believe that the statement he made upon his release had anything to do with his mental state. He aspires to be an activist. His parents were probably active in the counter culture movement of the 60's. He wants to emulate them. Now that he has a little celebrity status he is attempting to capitalize on that status. I wish him good luck in his endeavors as he trots down the path of many a sell-outs that came before him wearing flowers in their hair and now they wear smart business attire to their office Christmas party.
The reference to "American jails" and political prisoners in them clearly refers to the IRANIANS sitting in American jails, which Iran has been yelling about all month. Therefore it is Elliott Abrams' clueless column that left the "bad taste." Time to shuffle back to that senior citizens home, Abrrams.
No doubt. When someone is as defensive for 'Merica, as the majority of the individuals commenting here, I am reminded of how cunning the government and the corporations really are. Reminded of the Edward Bernays type of manipulation. So effective that those deepest under its spell become its front line of defense. Slim to no possibility of enlightenment. It's cemented. You are exactly who they want you to be.
Try Mumia, Peliter, Acoli, Shakur, Gitmo, just to name a few....
Folks need to get their head out their asses and stop lying
"FOLKS NEED TO GET THEIR HEADS OUT OF THEIR ASSES".....SUCH A WISE STATEMENT COMING FROM SUCH AN INTUITIVE PERSON LIKE YOURSELF....NOT ! YOU IDIOT. HOW DARE YOU MENTION A COLD BLOODED CONVICTED COP KILLER IN YOUR THREAD. MUMIA SHOULD HAVE JOINED THE "NEEDLE GANG" A LONG TIME AGO. INSTEAD, WE HAVE TO SUPPORT THIS VEGETATIVE EGGPLANT UNTIL HE ROTS. HE IS IN A 5 x 7 BECAUSE OF WHAT HE DID.....READ THE TRANSCRIPTS, READ MICHAEL SMERCOSCH'S BOOK...ONLY IF YOU WANT THE TRUTH....OTHERWISE STAY INSIDE YOUR BUBBLE.
If you look at these hikers backgrounds they have been anti-American for some time involving themselves in protests. It doesn't surprise me he made that statement. Just don't know why we worked so hard to get these guys out when they were known to disrespect the U.S.A. I say send them back until they learn to be grateful for the freedom they have in America.
how come you call them anti-american when they just critisized american politics – which itself is very "american"
You're an idiot. They have made several statements against America. That makes them Anti-American. Apparently, you did not do your homework and look into their background.
Wow I must have missed that part, protesting is un-American? I do think these guys are idiots, maybe even ungrateful, but that is still legal...isn't it? Or is the U.S not as free as it likes to claim?
Abrams apparently hasn't heard of guantanamo bay?
Exactly
Two years in prison is too long and we sincerely hope for the freedom of other political prisoners and other unjustly imprisoned people in America and Iran.
Who exactly are the “political prisoners” in America?
"Abrams apparently hasn't heard of guantanamo bay?"
He likely hasn't heard that G Bay has left Cuba.
Why does anyone bother to read a single thing this retarded neocon has to say about anything. When this criminal geezers like this nutcase and Cheney finally start dying out, American will be a better place almost immediately. Apparently neocon here isn't aware of all the places around the world we hold people on what they consider American soil – which you know – is pretty much wherever we say it is.
Send him back! Now, if not sooner.
Don't like Gitmo? Ok, why don't you volunteer to put them at in your house? They'd be happy to sleep on the floor of your childrens bedrooms......
Elloitt Abrams – when you have spent 2 years in a hellhole like an Iranian prison and are subject to who knows what kind of abuse but most likely severe mental abuse then you can judge what either one of these two former prisoners say after only two days out of that prison. I would not take whatever they say right now as their own true thoughts. They need several months to recuperate both physically and mentally from their ordeal.
Unfortunately the writer of the article is smart on paper as a Senior Fellow, but he lacks any real world experience or he wouldn't have written such a stupid blog post. Plus he has to be borderline brain dead to not realize that GITMO is probably what Shane was referring to.
"Plus he has to be borderline brain dead to not realize that GITMO is probably what Shane was referring to."
Shane said America, not Cuba. Anyone who thinks GITMO is part of the former and not that latter "has to be borderline brain dead."
They went hiking in a war zone, along a hostile border, ignoring warnings from those they encountered before being captured and imprisoned. What pearls of wisdom were you expecting from these folks?
Sorry, but you are unfortunately mistaken. Kurdistan is not a war zone. It's a peaceful country and is not the Iraq that you are thinking of. It's on Nat Geo's list of the top places to travel. Anthony Bourdain (a celebrity chef) went there to do some segment on food/travel. SSJ did nothing wrong. They were straight up kidnapped. If you don't believe me, then do some research on Kurdistan before you go spouting off things that you don't actually know about.
Coming from an old warrior, don't get too worked up over this. Yes, it ticked me off too, but let's face it, the guy was only just released, and as others have said, he was not home yet. Besides, lots of folks see gitmo that way. Maybe he'll sound the same in a month. Maybe not. Were they idiots to go hiking in a war zone and cause USA to waste all manner of diplomatic chips to save them? You bet they were! Old warrior, now beachboy
Waste what diplomatic chips? We have no diplomatic relations with Iran, since 1979. We do not interact directly at all with Iran. Foreigners got them released, don't forget.
Yeah, it's awful that the U.S. wasted their diplomatic chips considering we don't even have an embassy in Iran. And if you got mad about what he said, tough. Even those who you don't agree with get freedom of speech in this country.
What kind of warrior are you beach boy, an ass warrior?
I guess taking things out of context is what you do best, huh Abrams? You're a joke like your reporting. He said, "and other unjustly imprisoned people in America and Iran." How, with rampant corruption, hypocrisy, insane legislation, and a for-profit prison and judicial system could people possibly be unjustly imprisoned in America? Like many Americans you were unhappy? I know dear Elliot, truth makes your type very uncomfortable.
Amen to that!
What a dou che.
Yea and I'm wondering how much indoctrination and general messing with the head Iran can do in 2 years? In general the 3 were extremely stupid in the first place for even hiking in the area they were in. Like they were on a stroll through Yellowstone or something. Let us see – poorly defined border, no security, a belligerent neighbor wanting to destabilize Iraq and make America look bad. Does anyone really believe Iran didn't cross the border and kidnap 3 hikers? Who wins the argument? The guys with the guns.
America doesn't need Iran to look bad. George W ,Sarah Palin, Rick Perry et.al. and the rascist Tea Partiers do well enough.
It wouldn't surprise me one bit that the three of them staged the whole thing....THEY KNEW WHAT THEY WERE DOING...THEY KNEW THE CONSEQUENCES OF THEIR ACTIONS. THEY ALSO KNEW AT SOME POINT THEY WOULD BE RESCUED. THE ONLY PART OF THE EQUATION THEY COULDN'T FIGURE OUT WAS HOW LONG THEY WOULD BE STUCK IN PRISON. NOW, THERE OUT THEY WILL ALL BE UNITED AND THEY WILL BE ON U. S. SOIL IN A COUPLE OF DAYS. THEN IT BEGINS... THEY GO PUBLIC. THE BRASS RING IS THEIRS! THE INTERVIEWS BEGIN, WHO GETS THEM FIRST...DIANE SAWYER, ANDERSON COOPER,OPRAH...THE LIST IS ENDLESS! A SIT DOWN ON 60 MINUTES ! A BOOK TOUR MAYBE A MOVIE....IN OTHER WORDS THEY GET TO LAUGH AT THE WORLD AS THEY SWIM IN A POOL OF BENJAMINS ! THINK ABOUT IT........A LITTLE TORTURE A LITTLE PAIN.....BUT...LOOK AT WHAT THEY GAIN !
What planet are you on? Certainly not this one. If you are seriously suggesting that SSJ planned this whole thing then you are certifiably insane. You don't KNOW you're going to be rescued from an Iranian prison. They execute people there. The "hikers" aren't even "hikers." They are people who live and work abroad. Shane is a photojournalist with extensive experience traveling in the Middle East. Sarah lived in Syria teaching children. They were on vacation in a near area, Kurdistan, which happens to be a tourist area and is on Nat Geo's top places to travel.
But, of course, you wouldn't be interested in hearing the truth, because you're just interested in spewing fundamentalist crap. Keep flapping your trap, and have fun looking like a brainwashed idiot that can't think for himself.
If you think there are no political prisoners in the US youre a moron who has never read any history. We have a long history of this. We imprisoned editors, labor activists, union organizers, antiwar activists, native American activists and more for their political activities. Gitmo may not be US soil but we are in charge ang quite responsible there too. Our own FBI has been complicit in a number of terrorist events, including the bombing of the csr of an environmental activist, not to mention the first World Trade Tower bombing (google Emad Salem to see what happened.)
I think maybe his comments were taken out of context. I believe that when he mentioned the U.S. he was referring to 'unjustly imprisoned' people. We are constantly hearing stories about American citizens being freed from American jails after days, weeks, years and even decades of being falsely imprisoned. While I believe our justice system is the best in the world, it is certainly not without flaws. It seems to me that someone in Mr. Bauer's position is precisely the right person to speak out and be an activist for the falsely accused!!
There are many political prisoners worldwide some held with other "charges" masking the true reason of their internment. The activist "Leonard Peltier" part of the American Indian Movement has been held for many years in the U.S. and is innocent of charges against him. Americans are great people – very generous – yet they have no idea what their government does around the world.
Amnesty International had a campaign for the freedom of Troy Davis, obviously innocent, and executed the night of their freedom. How can any sane person, whether a senior fellow or a jr high cheerleader, claim that there are no unjustly imprisoned in the US?
Pretty much what you just said. Yes.
So think of it this way . . . what better way would there be for a true US spy to cover his tracks than by making a disparaging remark about the US upon his release? I'd imagine his "spy supervisors" would be quite pleased with his patriotism. Point is . . . it worked! And here we are all arguing over his patriotism or lack thereof. What do we know of the true story? Not much.
So now, before you comment on this post, please be sure you are bright enough to understand it and to respond as an intelligent human. Thank you!
Cuba, Russia, Rwanda,America- top four in per capita prison population. Nice company to be in, no? What about unjust executions, can we count that? America the perfect.
Here in America we have freedom of speech. Whether they spoke the truth or a lie, whether I agree or disagree with what they said, Whether they were told what to say, it is inconsequential. I will defend their right to freedom of speech.
he made the comment the same time troy davis was being executed and a lot of the nation was talking about people of color being unjustly imprisoned in america... duh...
Because *nobody* has *ever* been arrested and detained indefinitely for crossing the US border illegally... (facepalm)
Don't you have Google over there at CNN?
HA! Love it. Apparently they don't know how to use Google.
Are Americans required to drink the Kool-Aid of blind patriotism to demonstrate they are grateful for being rescued??
The list of U.S political prisoners can be found at Amnesty International. I am sure. I would add the names of the students convicted for interrupting an Israeli speech at a California university, and also that of Troy Davis.
Millions of people hike every day in Iran. Just not Elliott Abrams, another Israeli jewish American military warmonger. Hiking is very popular among Iranians the Leader Khameni and Ahmadinejad both hike with their families and Kurdestan is well North of the war zone of Baghdad. Nothing is wrong with what they said remember Bradley Manning rotting in US military prison for exposing the hypocricy of US military and govt lies which are supposed to be public information anyway and not info anyone could be tortured over. He is tortured mainly for being gay and antiwar and that the US won't release him and not punish him or Julian Assange shows the terrorism of the war terrorists like Elliott Abrams. Remeber it was Israel and Netanyahu and Jeffrey Felstein – US Asst Sec of State who caused 911 not Bin ladin. Ahmadinejad said this 10 years ago with Khameni, Israeli-American jews in the US like Abrams who should be punished for it denied it. But Bin Ladin and the Saudis were not the ones. Stop blaming Muslims. Blame the Israelis. They did the 911, they did the German bombing and Lockerbie bombing, they control the US and EUropean Govts and also they control Whitehouse, Wall Street, US Banking, World Media, World banking, World Military and Nato. Yes, Iran needs and deserves Nuclear weapons with Israel having nuclear weapons. Israel caused the Libyan war because it is desparate for the Libyan new Water System Created and also its oil, gas and gold dinars. Israel is destroying the Middle East and is the blame for all the turmoil and uprisings. It has caused millions of Paestinian deaths and has destroyed its economy, the US economy, the Mid East and Libyan and African Economies. The hypocrisy and tragedy that human rights and Red Cross and Charity Organizations pointed out that war makes these countries unlivable for anyone. Since Nato used Chemical weapons and Scientists in Libya confirmed this then the best thing for every human being is total evacuation period. The country is ruined for a thousand years once chemical weapons is into the air,water,soil,plants,animals,people,etc. In Russia 25 years after Chernoby they still can't have anyone there the city is totally empty and uninhabitable. After Nato attacked Yugoslavia, there were continuous birth defects, illnesses, deaths. Nato hits the Gaddaffi tanks with chemical weapons then the rebels run and jump on the tanks. Those rebels will all die in less than one year and Nato won't tell them because Nato actually wants to kill off as many al-qaeda rebels. That is why Nato did not give them any helmets nor any bullet proof vests nor proper uniforms or proper training.
Right, like who are the political "prisoners" in umm Amerika. Yes, ah like how could there possibly be any ah, political umm, prisoners in a big, what is it, democracdy? in Amerika. Yeah. That Abrams is a really funny fellow. Ah, yes.
Abramms isn't really in the State Dept. anyway. He's one of those CIA torture/kidnappers masqueradig as a diplomat.
It's not really surprising that Bauer would make a statement like that. He worked for the far-left "journalistic" enterprises like Pacifica Radio/Democracy Now!, which routinely praises such democratic regimes as Venezuela and Cuba.
So, instead of being proud of representing a country which allows disent, all Abramms can think of
doing is trying to threaten Mr Bauer into agreeing with the official USgov propaganda. Hah!
Abrams is a convicted criminal (aren't you, Elliot), an apologist and partial architect of the Guatemalan genocide, a drooling supporter of torture and mass killing abroad. As an inveterate liar, everything he says should be viewed as evidence to the contrary. He should be in jail - or perhaps just getting out, after a nice treatment from the boys. The man is a menace who should be turned over to the ICC (and may live long enough to enjoy that fate).
problem is these goons will get a made for TV movie and book. I thought spies were goodlooking and had muscles. These guy look like they are pre Auschwitz
Uhm... maybe that's because they've been in an Iranian prison for two years? Geez... some people. Use your brain!
I also believe that unjustly imprisoned people should be set free. I think that this article was unnecessary and unfortunate. Perhaps Mr. Bauer didn't give the response that you may have been hoping for but it was real and most likely from his heart and his experience. I think it is quite a testament to this man's character to think of others who at this time do not have the ability to speak out. When I speak of "others", I refer to the prisoners of Evan prison in Iran that Mr. Bauer shared a facility with for two years. I also speak of Mr. Bauer's fellow Americans that are now unjustly imprisoned. He seems to be speaking from direct experience. He seems to have highly developed empathy and compassion. He seems to speak out for those who may not be able to speak for themselves. I found his statement to be exemplary. I wish that more people felt a deep sense of personal responsibility to stand up for others and feel solidarity toward liberty and justice. What a beautiful person. I'm so glad that they are free. I have no doubt that these wonderful people will continue serving others. That they will be the positive change that they wish to see in the world. I find their life's work thus far to be inspiring and I'm excited to see what they do next. Ya'll are so cynical. Maybe my comment has some merit. Maybe not.
reading through some of these posts is just plain painful. People can be so judgmental and cruel. Yeah, there are unjustly imprisoned people all over the world including in our own United States. These kids were not hiking in a war zone. They were hiking in Iraqi Kurdistan. Anthony Bordain did an episode of his television show in Iraqi Kurdistan for the Travel channel. They have a rich history and beautiful land. I wonder if ya'll think that Anthony Bordain is also a complete idiot or a spy or whatever. I'm a bit surprised by this article. I found it to be irreverent and mean spirited just for the sake of being so.
Thank you, abbbrra for speaking the voice of sanity.
Finally... someone with a brain speaks the truth. THANK YOU. Kurdistan is NOT part of Iraq as a whole. You have to have a separate/special visa to even go to Iraq (Southern Iraq).
...and your post is pure comedy. "Anthony Bordain did an episode of his television show in Iraqi Kurdistan for the Travel channel."...Lol if only Mr. Bauer would have let his captors know of this information I'm sure they would have had no choice but to promptly release them.
You have the logic of a CHILD. "Buuut Billly did it, toooooo!"
I'm glad they are back home. I will give them the benefit of the doubt and believe they had to say what they did to complete the deal. Iran definitely wants some of it's agents free and they never miss a chance at propaganda.
I think 2 years is a long time but it's finally over and they are alive and returned to America.
America, for many critics, is the world's punching bag because it's such an easy target but it's still a wonderful country to live in.
I'm sure we'll understand more as details emerge.
Shane Bauer said the following days after being released from Iran;
“Two years in prison is too long and we sincerely hope for the freedom of other political prisoners and other unjustly imprisoned people in America and Iran.”
You could excuse it as temporary insanity haven been just released from Iran 2 days ago after what must have been a grueling 2 year ordeal. However, that does not explain why from all places he took hikes near the Iranian Iraqi border. That could be explained by a naïve view of the world not much different and indeed very consistent with a distorted world view that would prompt him in the first to take hikes on the Iraq/Iran borders and make the statement above.
And YOUR statement could be explained by a naive view of the world. Kurdistan is safe. They were kidnapped. Straight up. Kurdistan is on Nat Geo's list of top places to travel, and it is NOT the same as southern Iraq, which is what most people are thinking of when they think of this story.
"Kurdistan is on Nat Geo's list of top places to travel"
Let us know if you'd like any help with your travel plans.
Is Elliott Abrams so stupid that he doesn't realize Bauer is talking about Gitmo? None of them even had a trial, that sounds pretty political to me.
Or, how about all the convictions of enlisted personnel for Abu Graib abuses, yet not one single commissioned officer is doing any prison time? That's super-political, that's not about "justice".
Or, how about the thousands of people incarcerated for being stoned on brown-people intoxicants, but being stoned on white-people intoxicants is not a problem? Hard not to consider that pretty political.
There seem to be no shortage of examples.
"There seem to be no shortage of examples."
When you make them all up.
and to think there are people that are not wrongfuly imprisoned in this counrty is so messed up. Have we forgotten the WM3 (wm3.org) so quickly. We in the US have it good but we still (as a country) get it wrong and we need to keep on top of the people in power or these things will get out of hand. So dont think our American way of doing things is with out its problems and faults. We have them, we jsut tend to do things better than most but we can always do better and as soon as we stop trying we fail eachother. We all live on this planet and just because these things dont happen in our back yard doesnt mean it doesnt happen or effect us all in some way.
I'm hoping this blog will be corrected. He was referring to the prisoners in Gitmo, not thieves, rapists, murderers, etc. being held locally. Some research before this was posted would have been great.
Gitmo is the only part of Cuba that does NOT imprison people for political reasons.
Otherwise it would already be full of you libs.
What good is research without a brain?
I think the big mistake was hiking between Iraq and Israel. Even the people who live there wish they were somewhere else!! Who does that and thinks there won't be negative consequences? Next time, try the Colorado Rockies, the Appalachian Mountains, or the Smoky Mountains.
...and libs think everyone ELSE is dumb.
And do any of you know where Bauer and Farrel met? UC Berkeley in San Francisco. Now, I probably shouldn't be relying on stereotypes, but students there are probably among the most likely to consider any number of people held in US prisons to be political prisoners. GITMO would just be the tip of the iceberg.
Hey genius lefties, if Gitmo was used to hold political prisoners, name one liberal put there by Bush.....
....waiting.
...still waiting.
I know liberals consider the right "terrorists" but no one in gitmo is a conservative either, except fot the guards.
You all live in La La Land.
So now that everyone has assured us how safe that area is, I'm sure the hikers will be revisiting soon?
Lib reacap:
After all, "Anthony Bourdain was there!"
It's not actually IN Iran... it just very, very, VERY CLOSE to Iran! Duh!
...and last but not least... GITMO!!! grrrr.... >: [
Elliott Abrams shouldn't talk. He is an embarasementt to Americans as a convicted person in the Iran Contra scandal. He shouldn't talk, he didn't serve one day in the US Armed Forces. Because he had a high position in th3e reagan Administration and was not any Manny, Moe and Jack he escaped a deserved prison term. Our country by the way has the highest ratio of prisoners per population compared to other major countries. Our Gulag System is going great and the guards are making a bundle. It appears that he was led a sheltered life by his parents. Another example of a priviledged rich kid taking advantage of the system to bully the average American. he is as disgusting as Eric Cantor.
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Perhaps Elliot Abrams would like to volunteer to serve out the rest of Shane Bauer's prison term in Iran – so he can experience solitary confinement in personal terms. When authoritarian and judgmental people exhibit such a callous disregard, they deserve similar treatment in kind.