Illinois to take Gitmo detainees – U.S. to buy state prison in Thomson, source says
http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/chi-tue-tab-thomson-15dec15,0,5054354.story
I know we have a tendency to adopt a “Not in My Backyard” attitude (or “NIMBY” as the late, great George Carlin once called it) when it comes to bringing criminals and other hazardous materials into our environment, but I have never been a big proponent of passing the buck. We need to close Guantanamo, and with the Thomson State prison sitting virtually empty, this seems like a good solution.
It will resolve an international PR debacle, create jobs in the State, and really, with our last two Governors either in the clink, or on their way shortly, it seems disingenuous for the citizens of Illinois to scream about wanting to protect ourselves from “felons.”
I know nothing is finalized yet and plans may yet changed, but as locals of our fair Midwestern State, I’d like to know what you think of the plan?
becky sarwate 