from the Illinois College Republicans

CHARLESTON - The Illinois College Republican Federation calls on Illinois' leaders to take a step back as they deliberate bringing Gitmo terrorists to Illinois.

During hard times, it is natural to grasp at potential solutions; however, more often than not, this myopic thinking does more harm than good. The current recession has been tough on Illinois. Bringing over 200 Taliban and Al-Qaeda terrorists to Illinois is not a serious solution to our problems.

Prisons across the country and in Illinois are overcrowded; Illinois is currently expanding it's own prisons. While jobs will indeed be created, we must ask why these jobs must be created by moving Gitmo to Illinois.

Senator Dick Durbin, the second-ranking Democrat in the United States Senate, should use his clout in Washington to bring in federal money to open Thomson to more Illinois prisoners; he could work to bring in federal prisoners. Instead, Durbin is jumping at the chance to house 200 Taliban and Al-Qaeda fighters in Illinois.

At a time when people around the world and within the United States are plotting to strike again, housing 200 Taliban and Al-Qaeda fighters within 2 hours of Chicago would serve only to make the city a more attractive target.