Richard B. Cheney American Enterprise Institute VIDEO TEXT

Richard B. Cheney American Enterprise Institute Thursday, May 21, 2009

On May 21, 2009, former vice president Richard B. Cheney, now a member of AEI's Board of Trustees, spoke at AEI on the serious and ongoing threat terrorism poses to the United States. He was introduced by AEI president Arthur C. Brooks. His remarks as prepared for delivery follow.

Thank you all very much, and Arthur, thank you for that introduction. It's good to be back at AEI, where we have many friends. Lynne is one of your longtime scholars, and I'm looking forward to spending more time here myself as a returning trustee. What happened was, they were looking for a new member of the board of trustees, and they asked me to head up the search committee.

I first came to AEI after serving at the Pentagon, and departed only after a very interesting job offer came along. I had no expectation of returning to public life, but my career worked out a little differently. Those eight years as vice president were quite a journey, and during a time of big events and great decisions, I don't think I missed much.

Being the first vice president who had also served as secretary of defense, naturally my duties tended toward national security. I focused on those challenges day to day, mostly free from the usual political distractions. I had the advantage of being a vice president content with the responsibilities I had, and going about my work with no higher ambition. Today, I'm an even freer man. Your kind invitation brings me here as a private citizen--a career in politics behind me, no elections to win or lose, and no favor to seek.

The responsibilities we carried belong to others now. And though I'm not here to speak for George W. Bush, I am certain that no one wishes the current administration more success in defending the country than we do. We understand the complexities of national security decisions. We understand the pressures that confront a president and his advisers. Above all, we know what is at stake. And though administrations and policies have changed, the stakes for America have not changed.

Right now there is considerable debate in this city about the measures our administration took to defend the American people. Today I want to set forth the strategic thinking behind our policies. I do so as one who was there every day of the Bush administration who supported the policies when they were made, and without hesitation would do so again in the same circumstances.

When President Obama makes wise decisions, as I believe he has done in some respects on Afghanistan, and in reversing his plan to release incendiary photos, he deserves our support. And when he faults or mischaracterizes the national security decisions we made in the Bush years, he deserves an answer. The point is not to look backward. Now and for years to come, a lot rides on our President's understanding of the security policies that preceded him. And whatever choices he makes concerning the defense of this country, those choices should not be based on slogans and campaign rhetoric, but on a truthful telling of history.FULL TEXT TRANSCRIPT

Republican Senators discuss Guantanamo Bay Trip VIDEO

Republican Senators Sam Brownback (R-KS), John Barasso (R-WY), and Mike Johanns (R-NE) held a news conference to discuss their recent trip to the detainee facility at Guantanamo Bay, Cuba. Washington, DC : 17 min.

Brownback Comments from Detainee Facility at Guantanamo Bay

WASHINGTON - U.S. Senator Sam Brownback today returned from leading a Congressional delegation to visit the detainee facility at Guantanamo Bay in Cuba.

"Guantanamo Bay is a world-class detention facility that would be almost impossible to replicate elsewhere," said Brownback. "Rumors of Guantanamo Bay being a black hole are unfounded. I am struck by the contrast between Guantanamo Bay and prisons I have toured in the past. The nature of the detainee population and the threat that these individuals pose affects every detail of the Guantanamo operation from the layout and design of the facilities to the level of legal, medical and other services provided to detainees."

Brownback toured several detention camps, including the camp that holds individuals who plotted the September 11, 2001, attacks. He also visited the Expeditionary Legal Complex, where military commissions are held, and toured the detainee medical facility.

Brownback continued, "Guantanamo's facilities are much different from the military prison at Fort Leavenworth's Disciplinary Barracks. Fort Leavenworth was designed for regular prisoners, not detainees. We cannot force-fit detainees in Leavenworth or in other prisons in the U.S. I look forward to a vigorous discussion of these issues on the Senate floor next week."

Brownback has repeatedly stated that Fort Leavenworth is not an appropriate location to house enemy combatants. He has noted that Fort Leavenworth's primary mission is military education and that moving detainees to the post will alienate the visiting military officers from Islamic nations who participate in vital international military education programs. In addition, he has expressed that Fort Leavenworth is not a suitable location for enemy combatants because the Disciplinary Barracks are primarily a medium security facility housing military prisoners; the proximity of the base to a community airport, farms, and the surrounding City of Leavenworth; and the lack of medical facilities on site, which would require transporting combatants through town to be treated in community hospitals.

"I commend the men and women in uniform who are responsible for the Guantanamo detainee mission," said Brownback. "They are playing a key role in the war on terror with professionalism and determination." -30-