August 30, 2009

TOUCHY-FEELY

The “touchy-feely” epidemic -- by which murderous terrorists are mollycoddled for “compassionate” reasons – seems to be spreading.

American President Barack Obama wowed his ultra-liberal constituents a few weeks ago by closing the Guantanamo Bay prison for terrorists because it offended the inmates’ “sensitivities.”

Now comes Scotland’s Justice Secretary, Kenny MacAskill.  Last week he freed Abdel Basset al-Megrahi (57) – a terrorist who formerly was a Libyan intelligence officer.

Megrahi was convicted of planting a bomb in 1988 in the cargo bay of a U.S. transatlantic airliner flying from London, England, to New York City, USA.  The bomb exploded over Lockerbie, Scotland.

That dastardly act killed all 259 people aboard from 21 countries – including 180 Americans -- and 11 Scott homeowners on the ground.

Megrahi was sentenced to life in a Scottish prison, with a minimum of 27 years to be served. (Why not mandatory life, or execution?) Now, he has terminal prostate cancer and pleaded for “compassionate” release from prison.

British cancer specialists estimate Megrahi has less than three months to live.

In Scotland courts, compassionate release is often granted when a prisoner is near death.  Of 31 such applications in the last ten years, 24 have been granted.  Seven were denied because of insufficient medical evidence.

PRIVATE  JET

Terrorist Megrahi was flown home Thursday to Tripoli, Libya, in the private jet of that nation’s leader --  Col.  Muammar Gaddafi.

The British Broadcasting Company reported that Megrahi was greeted at night by hundreds of well-wishers – some carrying Libyan and Scottish flags or throwing flower petals.

“Within minutes, Megrahi was whisked away for a meeting with his elderly mother.”

“Until then, Libyan officials were careful not to comment -- in case they jeopardize the release – wary of a last minute intervention by the U.S.

“The personal involvement of Col.  Gaddafi will be seen as further evidence of his growing stature on the international stage.”

OBAMA’S  REACTION

U.S. President Obama said the convicted terrorist’s reception in Tripoli was “highly objectionable.”

Sen.  Charles Schumer (D-N.Y.)  said he was “horrified” at the celebrations. “The U.S. should introduce a resolution at the United Nations to condemn the celebrations.

He also called for an investigation into whether release of the terrorist was related to oil contracts between Libya and Great Britain: “That would be despicable!”

British officials insist there was no link between release of the bomber and business between the two countries.

GADDAFI’S  JET

Gaddafi has ruled oil-rich Libya for 40 years – often in eccentric ways.  He abandoned its secret, nuclear weapons program -- and shared intelligence information on radical Islamist groups.  It is somewhat surprising that he has avoided assassination attempts during that time.

Part of the reason for prolonged stability in Libya undoubtedly is the help of foreign oil companies that dote on national stability.

Gaddafi next month will make his first trip to the United States and address the United Nations General Assembly.

He upset New Yorkers with his intent to erect a huge, ornamental tent in Central Park for lodging.  New Yorkers screamed! Consequently, he settled for the first floor of an upscale hotel.

Let us hope he does not bring along a few live chickens for midnight snacks.  Or bang his shoe on a U.N. desk.  As other dictators have in the past.

JUST SO

The United Nations is of little use in international affairs, but it is the best show on Broadway.

In a sled race, only the lead dog gets a change of scenery.

By Lindsey Wilger Williams, retired newspaper publisher and syndicated columnist