GOP Blast Gitmo Decision, Graham Says He Is Willing To Push For A Constitutional Amendment If Necessary

(The Politico)  Sen. Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.) vowed Thursday to do everything in his power to overturn the Supreme Court’s decision on Guantanamo Bay detainees, saying that “if necessary,” he would push for a constitutional amendment to modify the decision.

Graham blasted the decision as “irresponsible and outrageous,” echoing the sentiments of many congressional Republicans and President Bush.

Earlier in the day, the court ruled 5-4 that suspected terrorists held by the U.S. military at Guantanamo Bay have the right to challenge their detention in federal court.

Graham cautioned that it he was still digesting the decision, but said he was “looking at every way I can to modify this position,” including fighting to change the statute, when talking to reporters Thursday afternoon.

“The American people are going to wake up tomorrow and be shocked to hear that a member of Al Qaeda has the same constitutional rights as an American citizen,” said Graham.

“[Even] the Nazis never had that right.”

Speaking to reporters in Italy, President Bush also said he disagreed with the court’s ruling, but said he would respect it.

“We'll abide by the Court's decision,” said Bush. “That doesn't mean I have to agree with it. It's a deeply divided Court, and I strongly agree with those who dissented, and their dissent was based upon their serious concerns about U.S. national security.”
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