Terrorism: Politicians and Victims: Thank You Senator Hutchison!

Friday, February 20, 2009

Thank You Senator Hutchison!

Dear Senator Kay Bailey Hutchison

We the parents of deceased Fireman Gary G. Swenchonis, Jr. want to thank you for writing a letter to President Obama to reconsider the closure of Guantanamo Prison. As you know President Obama just recently dismissed the charges against al-Nashiri the terrorist accused in the attack on the USS Cole which killed our son.

We are extremely worried that if al-Nashiri and the other terrorists are moved to a prison here in America that they will receive constitutional rights, which would possibly lead to their release.
We hope that you and your fellow republicans will continue to fight President Obama’s decision not only for the safety of all Americans, but also that our son and his family can finally receive justice after 8 long years.

Respectfully,

Gary and Debbie Swenchonis
Remember the Cole!

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Thank-You To Mr. Soufan, Former FBI Agent

I would like to recognize Mr. Ali Soufan former FBI Agent assigned to the Cole investigation for his courage to speak out about what transpired during and after the attack on the USS Cole on 10/12/00 in Yemen. And also for his perseverance for not only justice for the murdered 17 sailors, and the 39wounded, but his quest for the truth in many of the events related to the the attack on the USS Cole. My wife,and myself thank-you so much. And yes I would think that even our murdered son would think highly of your efforts. The dead cannot speak for themselves, we as his parents, and people like Mr. Soufan have too. A quote from Mr. Soufans recent book named The Black Banners. "To this day what keeps me awake at night is the disgraceful way so many in our government treated the memory of the sailors. I cannot understand the lack of support for our investigations. For reasons unknow, both the Democrats, and Republicans in the White House and in senior government positions tried to ignore what happened to the USS Cole." We as parents who tried in vain in many cases to get answers, and action, can verify Mr. Soufans statement. In my opinion the attack of the USS Cole, the subsequent investigation, and the continued support of Saleh's corupt regime were all forgotten to ward off any political embarrassmnet, and public outrage at the time. But our government is still embarrassed by their lack of action after the Cole attack, and close relationship with the dictator Saleh which is evident by the very little news related to the dire straights that Saleh finds himself in now. And that little bit of news is always positive about the brutal dictator. Never the truth. At the time of the Cole attack our leaders thought that it was just another attack by Al-Qaeda that killed only a few Americans, and could be forgotten. But then 9/11 happened just 10 months later, and all hell broke lose in more ways than one. Our own government did everything possible to hide what had transpired just 10 months before 9/11. And the truth became just another casualty to protect political careers. And that is something that all presidents, and politicians understand as the number one piority, regardless of their parties. And then that other little big problem, Dictator Saleh of Yemen our so called trusted ally who is still a major problem, and embarrassment to the current administration as well. Even after 11 years of still protecting him from all the support and aid that he has given to Al-Qaeda. Not too mention how he treats his own people.

Another terrorists bites the big one! Al-Awlaki was the American born cleric who had tried not only to promote terrorism against his fellow citizens, but had made plans to kill Americans too. His killing was and is good news! Of course the ACLU and Liberals everywhere are upset, but whats new? Of more concern is Obama giving praise to the old and brutal dictator Saleh of Yemen for helping with the hit on al-Awlaki. Saleh had just recently returned back to Yemen from Saudi Arabia where he was recovering from wounds recieved in an attack on him last spring. No one is sure who attacked him, and others in his government, but one thing they do agree on is that Saleh has more enemies in Yemen than he does friends. His own people have been demonstrating for over a half of year now in the hopes to get him, his family members, and croonies de-throned. The demonstrations had been peaceful, but that did not stop Saleh from having his troops open fire on them, and killing some on numerous occassions. The Yemeni people are also demanding that Saleh and his family be tried for crimes against the Yemeni people. Saleh, his family, and thugs have all gotten rich off of the Yemeni people and Yemens dwindling resources. But Obama continues to support the old dictator who is slowly losing more and more control of the country everyday. So far the Yemeni people who have been marching for an end to Saleh's regime have been peaceful. With the major exception that Saleh's goons have killed many of them in the streets, and have jailed many more. Saleh has had a bad habit of using terrorism and Al-Qaida to achieve his goals when the need suited him. He has also used the threat of more terrorism to keep Obama's support. Sooner are later the Yemeni people and all the other factions in Yemen will do away with Saleh. Thats a given. And then Obama, or the next president will have to engage in some heavy damage control for deserting the Yemeni people in favor of an old brutal dictator who only has friends because he can pay them in some form or fashion.

Ahmed al-Quso Another Freed Cole Bomber

Al-Quso another of the freed Cole Bombers leads a charmed life to be sure, regrettably. After he helped to murder our son along with 16 other American sailors, and the wounding of 39 more he was later captured. Tried in one of President Saleh's puppet courts he was given a light sentence for the severity of his crime. He was later freed by Bush's trusted ally Saleh along with the other Cole bombers. Bush did nothing but give Saleh more money, and continued to heap praises upon his old friend Saleh for his help in the war on Terror. Since his release al-quso has been one busy tunnel rat, he has made videos in support of Al-Qaeda, been active in more attacks and has risen up in the ranks as well. A real eager beaver when it comes to killing innocent people. There was a rumour last fall that he had been taken out, but al-quso made a video to dispute that claim. And now its being reported that on 7-14-11 another attempt was made to get the psychotic cave dweller with another air strike that was another miss! It appears that since al-quso was found out to have helped the Christmas Day Bomber back in December of 2009that our government has a renewed intrest in this scumbag. They actually added him to the FBI's most wanted list this past December. Our own government lied to us when they told us that he had escaped. We found out later that he had been released like all the other Cole bombers. Just one more lie to add to the pack of ever growing lies from three different administrations. And how many more freed Cole bombers and freed terrorists from Gitmo are planning and waiting to strike American citizens again. Will we ever learn, or will political careers always come before the safety of Americans. Our military will risk their lives to capture these crazed terrorists, then our presidents set them free, then the terrorists return back to killing and the horrible cycle starts all over again. The lunatics are running the asylum.

Jamal al-Badwai

Up Dated 10/13/10 Yemeni Source Reported last Monday Jamal al-badawi is currently on a hunger strike in prison. As much as I would like to believe that news release, I don't. President Saleh of Yemen has lied too many times when it comes to the Cole Bombers. Just ask President Bush, and the FBI. But then again maybe he is. The report also states that he is demanding his release. Saleh had pardoned him after he was given life in prison for the Cole attack. He had also escaped from prison twice. But then Saleh needed him again and let him out. After that no one could confirm if he was in prison or not. I had Yemenis write me to say that he was walking the streets as a free man. Jamal al-Badawi was one of the terrorists who helped to attack the USS Cole on 10/12/00.

03-07-11

Walid Bin Attash has admitted that he helped to plan the attack on the USS Cole. But he is charged with 9/11. Attash also helped in the 1998 American Embassy bombings along with Al-Nashiri who helped in the Cole attack. The 9/11 Commission Report stated that Bin Laden personally intervened with the Yemeni government officials in 1999 to get Attash out of a Yemeni jail. It was not the first time that President Saleh's regime has helped Al-Qaeda. Attash is currently in Gitmo waiting for his trial. We were hoping that our government would have him stand trial for the Cole attack.

Thank-You Senator Cornyn and Staff for Your Swift Response To Obama Canceling Al-Nashiri's Trial.

Thanks to Senator Cornyn, and his staff for helping my wife and my self in our efforts to obtain a trial for the murderers of our son, and his mates. I called Senator Cornyn's office the day I found out about Obama canceling the trials again. Senator Cornyn and his staff were swift and efficient and their response. Its a shame that President Obama could not be just as swift in bringing the terrorists to trial. Sen. Cornyn Urges Administration To Clarify Inconsistencies & Expedite Trial Of Alleged USS Cole MastermindOn Eve Of Bombing’s 10th Anniversary, Senator Hears From Frustrated Father Of Victim WASHINGTON—U.S. Sen. John Cornyn, R-Texas, today sent a letter to Department of Defense Secretary Robert Gates requesting clarification following inconsistent statements by the Administration regarding the status of the prosecution of Abd al-Rahim al-Nashiri, the al-Qaeda terrorist and alleged mastermind behind the USS Cole bombing on October 12, 2000. According to recent reports, the Department of Justice stated last week that no charges are pending or contemplated against al-Nashiri. However, the DoD stated simultaneously that charges are being developed against him. As the 10th anniversary of the USS Cole bombing—which claimed the lives of 17 U.S. Sailors and wounded dozens more—nears, Sen. Cornyn believes it is unacceptable that the trial of al-Nashiri should be further delayed. Mr. Gary Swenchonis, a Texas resident and father of Petty Officer Gary G. Swenchonis, Jr., who was killed in the bombing, recently contacted Sen. Cornyn to express his deep frustration with the delays. He reported the Obama Administration recently notified him that charges against al-Nashiri were being shelved, causing his family further pain and heartache 10 years after the loss of their loved one. The full text of the letter is as follows: The Honorable Robert Gates Secretary of Defense 1000 Defense Pentagon Washington, DC 20301-1000 Dear Secretary Gates: I write today to express my serious concern regarding recent reports that the Obama Administration is making efforts to once again shelve the trial of Abd al-Rahim al-Nashiri, the al-Qaeda terrorist and alleged mastermind behind the October 12, 2000, bombing of the USS Cole. Further delay of justice is unacceptable. I request that you provide an explanation of the current status of al-Nashiri’s trial. As you know, the bombing of the USS Cole was a heinous terrorist act which claimed the lives of 17 U.S. Sailors and wounded 37 others. Although charges were brought against al-Nashiri in 2008, the Obama Administration chose to withdraw the charges in February 2009. Subsequently, on November 13, 2009, Attorney General Eric Holder announced his decision that the prosecution of al-Nashiri would be pursued before a military commission. According to Attorney General Holder’s remarks, this decision was rendered following not only his personal review, but in consultation with you. However, according to a Washington Post article on August 26, 2010, the Department of Justice (DoJ) recently stated in a filing with the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia that “no charges are either pending or contemplated with respect to al-Nashiri in the near future.” The same article also indicated that your Department has issued a statement saying, “Prosecutors in the Office of Military Commissions are actively investigating the case against Mr. al-Nashiri and are developing charges against him.” Your Department’s statement appears to directly contradict what was contained in the DoJ’s filing. As Attorney General Holder appropriately acknowledged as he announced his decision to prosecute al-Nashiri by military commission, “For the many Americans who lost friends and relatives…on the USS Cole, nothing can bring those loved ones back. But they deserve the opportunity to see the alleged plotters…held accountable in court, an opportunity that has been too long delayed.” As the 10th anniversary of the USS Cole bombing approaches, it has become no less necessary nor less urgent that al-Nashiri should stand trial for his role in orchestrating this terrorist attack. The families and friends of the Sailors who died or were injured on board the USS Cole deserve no less, and it is unconscionable that this trial should further delayed. To that end, I would appreciate your clarification of the current status of al-Nashiri’s prosecution, as well as your commitment to seeing that al-Nashiri is vigorously prosecuted for his role in this attack. Thank you for your faithful service to our nation, your dedication to our men and women in uniform, and your steadfast commitment to our national defense. Sincerely, JOHN CORNYN United States Senator

02-16-09 Texas Republicans have worte letters to President Obama asking that he not close Guantanamo Bay. And not to bring the terrorists here to America where they could acquire constitutional rights that could and would lead to their release. Sen. Kay Bailey Hutchison, and Representative Lamar Smith of San Antonio the top Republican on the House Judiciary Committee were among those writing to President Obama. Obiviously the left would go bananas if their heros were to be freed. But I really don't think that most sane and rational Americans want to even entertain such a nightmare. Republican Ron Paul did not join the effort. Which does not surprise me at all. Why are you silent Ron Paul?

Bodine

The American Ambassador to Yemen at the time of the attack was Barbara Bodine. Ambassador Bodine took it upon herself to plead to President Clinton to listen to her instead of John O’Neill the head FBI investigator. She could have supported Agent O’Neill in his efforts to have some members of President Saleh family and military investigated like the FBI wanted. But she did not. And then on top of everything she was able to have FBI agent O’Neill barred from returning back to Yemen to resume the investigation. It was reported by fellow agents that soon afterwards the investigation came to a halt. As for Bodine’s atrocious behaviors she was allowed to continue on in her post till Bush gave her a promotion in the American administration which helped to govern Iraq. But even Bush could not protect Bodine from herself. She was soon fired for incompetence and the same behaviors that she had displayed in interfering and hindering the Cole investigation. She now teaches at a liberal college and blames others for her failures in the Cole investigation.

Abd al-Rahim al-Nashiri one of the Cole bombers had the charges against him dismissed on 02/05/09 by Judge Crawford according to President Obama's order. Al-Nashiri also helped in other terrorists attacks besides the Cole attack. One of his fellow terrorist stated that "he would commit a terrorist act in Mecca inside the Kaa'ba itself." (the holiest site of Islam) So al-nashiri joins his other terrorist friends who have got away with murder. I know he is still in prison, but its official that he beat the system. With a little help from the good judge of course. Will he eventually go free to run amok with his old Cole bomber friends in Yemen again? Who knows in this Brave New America! Its anything goes these days.

Mohammed Hamdi al-Ahdal was Al-Qaeda’s second in command in Yemen until he was captured in 2003. Hamdi revealed under interrogation that unnamed wealthy Saudis and Yemenis were involved with the Al-Qaeda attack on the USS Cole and the French super tanker the Limburg. “The money was coming in installments, in small quantities to avoid detection.” His own words. For both the attacks. And that he was the middle man in the attack on the USS Cole in 2000. The Saudis demanded that he be extradited to Saudi Arabia, but Saleh of Yemen refused to turn him over. The Yemeni authorities also refused to reveal the names of the Saudis and the Yemenis who helped with providing money to Hamdi to be used in the bombing of the Cole. A day before he was to go to court Hamdi along with 14 other terrorists escaped prison. There are conflicting reports as to if he turned himself in when he was told that the government would go easy on him. Some reports state that he was captured again. Either way he did get off extremely easy in the end like all the Cole bombers eventually did. He was not even tried for the Cole attack, but on other charges such as raising money for terrorism. But only received three years with time served. Hamdi also bragged about giving money to the families of terrorists serving time in prison. Hamdi was also placed on the US Treasury List for having his assets frozen. At the time of his capture President Bush exclaimed to the world that it was an enormous win for the war on terror. But no mention was made when Hamdi was not tried for the Cole attack and his subsequent release. President Saleh had managed to protect another one of his terrorist buddies from the justice. And as far any one can tell Hamdi is still a free man and a full time terrorist for Al-Qaeda.

He refers to himself as the President Saleh of Yemen, and claims that he governs a semi-democracy. But make no doubt about it, Saleh is a tyrant. He makes it a habit to throw Yemeni journalists in jail, and any others who dare to question his rule. His Political Security Organization uses torture on dissidents, and some people who spoke out to loudly against him have disappeared. He has used Al-Qaeda on a regular basis to achieve his own goals. Like any good dictator he pits his enemies against each other to stay in power. He has placed members of his family in all the important positions of government. His kingdom is one of the poorest nations on earth, yet him and his family and croonies continue to get rich. While his own people suffer. He has repeatedly promised two American Administrations that he would crack down on Al-Qaeda, and terrorism. He has broken these promises as often as he makes them. Which is a lot. He promised to punish the bombers of the Cole attack. But then pardoned them, and or gave them reduced sentences. Then the rest of them escaped prison. Like most Al-Qaeda terrorist do in Yemen. The Yemeni Courts and prison system is referred to as “a revolving door.” His regime is know as a terrorist haven in more ways than one. He has refused to take action against know people in his regime that support Al-Qaeda. His courts have freed terrorists who have then gone to fight our soldiers in Iraq. He supports Hamas and has not objected to the opening of Jihad Camps in Yemen where terrorists can be trained to fight the Israelis. Gitmo terrorists that have been freed back to him, are released. And this despot receives American taxpayer dollars and is protected by the America government. His regime should never have been removed from the list of Countries that support Terrorism.