We were told during the 2008 presidential election that the Bush Administrations policy of military tribunals was anti-American and contrary to our ideals. The reason that the Bush Administration was using them was because they simply didnt care about civil rights. So the Obama Administration came into office and boldly declared that Khalid Sheikh Mohammed and presumably others would be tried in civilian courts. Attorney General Eric Holder 17 months ago heralded the new trial system that would bring the terrorists to justice. And the American Civil Liberties Union hailed it as an enormous victory for the rule of law.
Oops. Today Holder announced that because of local opposition to the idea of trying them in New York, they are going to use military tribunals after all. No apologies for their ill-fated plans, or trashing the Bush Administration for using them.