As much as I do not agree with the stance I was made to take, the enemy combatants should not be allowed to contest their detention before a judge. The article in my mind does not substantiate its side with facts that could be used to prove why they believe what they believe.
First, the government's role in society is to protect and prevent any harm from coming to the country. This role of the government could be seen within the preamble, war powers, etc. The Authorization for use of Military Force allows the president to “use all necessary and appropriate force against those nations, organizations, or persons he determines planned, authorized, committed, or aided the terrorist attacks” of September 11, 2001.
If someone is considered an enemy combatant, they should be allowed to use due process to contest their case. The reasoning behind this is that if a person is wrongfully accused, they are paying the price for another's actions. In court, they should gather evidence beyond reasonable doubt that they are innocent. I understand why the President chooses who to pardon and who not to. However, if the due process was used, these people can not only be found guilty or innocent a lot sooner.
Even in the article, the author says that "putting the power in the hands of the president is dangerous." The reason for it being dangerous, is that our military and police will capture too many friends and foes for one person to look to pardon. It cannot be done. However, if a group of judges or even juries heard the case, it would make it go a lot faster.
