9/11 Families' Differing Views Of Justice

Relatives Of Two Killed In Terror Attacks Discuss Controversial Tribunals At Guantanamo

(CBS)  By CBS News correspondent Russ Mitchell and CBS News producer Phil Hirschkorn.

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After years in detention, this week marked the first time that five men accused of direct involvement in the September 11, 2001, terrorism attacks on America made their first joint appearance in a military court, at the U.S. naval base in Guantanamo Bay, Cuba.

It was the start of a process which, the government expects, will bring justice for the families of 9/11 victims.

But, as heard from two close relatives of the victims, those families don't view the Guantanamo proceedings the same way.

"We must not forget the 2,973 people that were so brutally murdered as a result of this conspiracy," said Debra Burlingame.

Her brother, Charles, was the pilot of American Airlines Flight 77, the hijacked plane that crashed into the Pentagon on September 11.

"This is a way to be there for him, to witness for him these men getting American justice," she said.

The five men arraigned this week are accused of planning 9/11, training the 19 hijackers, and wiring them money to carry out the attacks.

"They are being given a great deal more of due process then they deserve, quite frankly," Burlingame said.

The long-delayed commissions are controversial - such as allowing government prosecutors to use hearsay evidence and statements coerced from the detainees under torture ... while limiting the witnesses whom detainees may call.

But Burlingame supports the process wholeheartedly.

"We mustn't let this turn into a focus so much on process that we forget who it is we are dealing with and what it is they did," she said.

Process is a focus for Carie Lemak, whose mother Judy was aboard American Airlines Flight 11, the first hijacked plane to crash into the World Trade Center. She said she rejects any mistreatment of detainees that's occurred and, she says, so would her mother.

"These are not good people, but I'm also very concerned about the system of justice that this country stands for, and want to make sure that we have trials that aren't perceived as kangaroo courts around the world," Lemak said.

"She would want to see the American system of justice demonstrated around the globe for what it is, which is a beacon of hope - that even though they can treat us terribly, we are going to treat them humanely."

At his arraignment, defendant Khalid Sheikh Mohammed, the alleged architect of 9/11, told the commission he would welcome becoming a "martyr" - and that worries Lemak, who opposes the death penalty sought by the government in this case.

"I want them to go to jail for the rest of their lives," she said. "Since my mom's been murdered, the biggest kind of torture for me is not being able to hug her ever again, and to me that's the fate that these people deserve - to be locked up in a jail cell for the rest of their lives and never get to hug anyone they love again."

This month, the Supreme Court is expected to weigh in, again, on the constitutionality of the Guantanamo commissions. The Pentagon calls them fair; critics call them a "show."

"I'm concerned that it could turn into that, and I want to make sure it doesn't," Lemak said.

"It's still some form of holding these men responsible for what they did," Burlingame said.

No start date has been set for the trial of the five 9/11 detainees, who say they want to represent themselves in the proceedings.

[michellem99-2009]

We can blame Bill Clinton and the bushes, A man named Robert Clarke. They allowed them in this nation and that was the start. It is fine to welcome to America but not the fools that are bent on carrying out this. I don''t care if that asrs in the cave is pissed or not. Ye don''t attack my home and America is my home.

These people have already been convicted before their trial. Why even bother with a trial and what happened to the presumption of innocence and the American form of justice? The world is waiting to see what our form of justice is all about. What we are doing is no more than a dog and pony show by convicting them before there is a trial.

These people have already been convicted before their trial. Why even bother with a trial and what happened to the presumption of innocence and the American form of justice? The world is waiting to see what our form of justice is all about. What we are doing is no more than a dog and pony show by convicting them before there is a trial.

These people have already been convicted before their trial. Why even bother with a trial and what happened to the presumption of innocence and the American form of justice? The world is waiting to see what our form of justice is all about. What we are doing is no more than a dog and pony show by convicting them before there is a trial.

These people have already been convicted before their trial. Why even bother with a trial and what happened to the presumption of innocence and the American form of justice? The world is waiting to see what our form of justice is all about. What we are doing is no more than a dog and pony show by convicting them before there is a trial.

These people have already been convicted before their trial. Why even bother with a trial and what happened to the presumption of innocence and the American form of justice? The world is waiting to see what our form of justice is all about. What we are doing is no more than a dog and pony show by convicting them before there is a trial.

[jl54-2]

The only 9/11 family member invited was an administration supporter.
This is not the first time the Admin. has tried to use 9/11 families to justify their policies. No one knows better than we the effects of terrorism - the pain of losing a loved one to someone%u2019s political agenda. But we do not honor our loved ones memories by perpetuating injustice.
9/11 was indeed a crime against humanity, not just the U.S. or the 3,000 individuals of many nations who died. After World War 2, the U.S. lead efforts to establish legal processes to bring justice to war crimes & violations of international law. But if the world is to demand that nations and individuals alike act in accord w/ international laws and norms, how can we justify a system that ignores inconvenient American legal traditions & international treaties?
Many of us feel that, along with our grief came a responsibility and challenge to see that the disregard for the rights of other humans shown on 9/11 not be imposed on anyone else. Whether we are in someone%u2019s eyes: lawful or unlawful combatants, noncombatants, or innocent civilians, the only protection any of us ultimately have is the willingness of nations and individuals to follow the rule of law. This is behavior encouraged only through leading by example. It can not be imposed by force of will, or by more lawless behavior.
Unfortunately, the Administration chooses to interpret international treaties, the Constitution, and legal traditions only as convenient to them.

[michellem99-2009]

I want to say I am so sorry to the families. As I write this the TV is talking about that day. The govt is the blame.Govt allowed them that kilt yer loved ones. I still cry when they air it. I am an American that feel our govt has let us down.

[komoncents]

The soldiers die defending not our freedom, but a sinister plot resulting in the single largest transfer of wealth the world has ever known - all thanks to Bush.

If Bush or Cheney or any of our leaders are trying to help our country or "be responsible," where is the leadership in organizing our incredibly powerful nation to act together to drive the price of oil down? (Not one word of unity on this situation has escaped Bush''s lips). Of course not, his cronies are making billions.

That said, these kangaroo dog and pony shows may well satisfy the need for revenge some may righteously feel, they will not condone the enormous loss of life that has resulted from the Bush/Cheney/Saudia crime sydicate''s pursuit of greed nor the scam/scheme perpetrated on 911.

[redbarron73]

I find it very interesting that today the movie at www.zeitgeistmovie.com AND the youtube link for the movie claim that "this movie is no longer available."

However, you can still watch Richard Gage''s presentation at http://911blogger.com/node/10025

Watch and learn how the evidence irrefutably shows how the THREE WTC towers were brought down with controlled demolition.

As I''ve said before, after that, feel free to bury your heads back in the sand.

"The truth shall set you free" Martin Luther King Jr.

[impeach_w]

I''d like to clarifiy the last post: A non-nuclear armed Iran is not the same as a non-Radioactive Iran....

[impeach_w]

Since the "defendants" can''t talk about their harsh treatment and are now somewhat likely to go free anyway, can''t we just harshly interrogate the interrogators to get the whole truth out of them?

We can then use that information for actual real war crimes trials for our administration... Maybe we can still imprison for authorizing torture or obstruction of "justice" (even military and kangaroo Justice).

Yes, if you have ever called yourself an American, took an oath to defend the Constitution and are authorizing or torturing or spying on Americans you even are worse than the terrorists. I''''d almost prefer one 9/11 per year than the poor excuse for THE United States of America we are living in now. America can''''t win until the bush has been licked and the d1ck has been buried.

I''d like to hear promises from both candidates not to pardon any of these people or the telecoms before I vote.

Watch out for the Israelis, because just like Iraq in the 80''''s, and last Sept in Syria, they will show you how an act of aggression is executed. It will be with the minimum force, risk, and cost as possible to achieve the specific goal of a non-nuclear Iran. No nation building, regime change, or occupation.

We could learn something else from them such as the first thing you need for aggression is Justification and a specific Goal before any fighting starts.

[impeach_w]

It''s refreshing to see that not all the Sheep in Amerika are brinwashed by this BS.

Carie Lemak, whose mother Judy was aboard American Airlines Flight 11, understands there is more at stake here than revenge. She said she rejects any mistreatment of detainees that''s occurred and, she says, so would her mother.

"These are not good people, but I''m also very concerned about the system of justice that this country stands for, and want to make sure that we have trials that aren''t perceived as kangaroo courts around the world," Lemak said.

"She would want to see the American system of justice demonstrated around the globe for what it is, which is a beacon of hope - that even though they can treat us terribly, we are going to treat them humanely."

I think she means What the American system of justice WAS but close enough!

Amen Carie!

Thank you for trying to help some of these idiots understand our countries deep rooted principles are something better than a politicized knee-jerk reaction before an election.

Very sorry about your Mom.

[michellem99-2009]

I WAS IN TEARS SEEING A FAMILY MEMBER OVER THERE AND IT WAS ON THE NEWS. I knew he was his name and MAINE accent. I was a foster child. So that was the first I saw a loved one. I said God Allmighty He is kin. That bush he should send his kin there.
I will step up to the plate and if I am wrong but I am not. It was sad seeing dive out of windows. I have seem the wtc with my eye from a bus. They were pretty. Our govt has lied to us. It was too well pulled off. Look into the bush line. Ye must ''member bush lived in Maine. He can''t do as he please.

[guadalcanal3]

Davidjones11...:May I remind you that the large majority of those 14,000 Iraqi deaths were Iraqi''s killing Iraqi''s aka foreign fighters (Iranian & Al Qaeda) Sunni''s killing Shiites and/or Shiites killing Sunni''s or both killing Kurds.

[komoncents]

Right on davidjones11,

You cant convince true believers of their misconceptions as they dont listen well, if at all - they''re not open to facts; and ridicule those whom they oppose. Its sad that the ones armed with facts are attacked for trying to enlighten others. Some of Hitlers men defended him to the very bloody end as well.

Those with blinders on will probably refuse to believe their own eyes when they witness the twin towers falling in an obvious controlled demolition, but you would at least think the utter absence of any 757 airplane wreckage at the pentagon attack would make them wonder!

The bush followers are the waraholic enablers! It''s sad the rest of will pay the price of their ignorance.

[inventagod2]

There were no heros in the military on 9/11

[michellem99-2009]

Yes they counted the ballots and yes bush would have made them count and recount till they were in his favor. I was taught a set of values that is missing today. If bin is pissed than he must step up to the plate as a man and stop hiding as he will be in a cell. We all have family in that war. I think the bloody fool is scaed of America, I am 53,am a high school grad. I am pissed the fool''s people started that flight from Portland Maine the Portland Jetport. I lived in that city in the 74-83. I am a Mainer. We learnt the constution. New Endland is where the American Rev war started in Mass.

[michellem99-2009]

He sure did. Kerry had it. Bush wanted it so bad and no he did not win it. I don''t like that fool hiding in caves that hate us. But as a daughter of a vet I am appalled that one man can sue to be pres. That never sat right. I KNOE WHAT THE RIGHT TO VOTE IS. I know too that it is we the people that vote. We know Kerry got the vote..I don''t much for that family. The bush one world govt is wrong and it is headed that way. The young they are taught a AMERICA that I did not ask for.It is coming a police state, WHILE YE EDUCATE IN LIES. GO AHEAD..My father served in the military in the 50s. I was more free before bush dad and bush son. We could fly,visit govt business,stores in freedom. Mow thanks to that asre it is ye do it bush way. I HATE IT. Ye like them pawing thru yer purse,having that wand over ye. I don''t. Ye can''t thid/that. I was in a govt office and my male friend watched in horror what that man did and it was wrong. Read the constution and bill of rights.

[guadalcanal3]

MichelleM99...P.S...While you''re educating yourself...Why don''t you try to make contact with Bin Laden...and try to tell him that George Bush did it...He would get very very angry at you and probably be-head you just because you are an American and giving Bush the credit...Bin Laden would be very angry if he did not get credit for his despicable act in the history books...I''ll give you conspiracy theorists one thing though...Youre pissing Bin Laden off.