I've read numerous right wing fear mongering statements warning about the threat of terrorists escaping and wreaking havoc on US citizens if we close Gitmo and house them in supermax prisons on US soil. I have yet to read a counter-argument like the one I am about to make.

First I have to ask readers to disregard the fact that no prisoners, even experienced criminals with extensive support networks on the outside, have ever escaped from a US maximum security prison.

Assume then, that the possibility of escape exists - and that you are a terrorist inmate who knows little English, probably does not look like the people who live near the prison; has never stepped foot on US soil except when being transported from Gitmo to your current prison, knows nothing of US society and customs, and nothing about the area surrounding the prison or anywhere in the US for that matter.

Further assume that you have just escaped and are somewhere in the vicinity of the prison. What obstacles do you have to overcome before you can commit murder and mayhem?

Turns out, quite a few. To begin with, you need to find civilian clothes because you are dressed in easily recognizable prison garb. Food and money are absolute necessities. A map or even better a GPS system, would come in handy, but only if you can read English and know how to use them. A car would be a big help because you are being pursued by angry prison guards, humiliated that you somehow escaped from their prison. They are being led by snarling dogs who know your smell and local and state police equipped with helicopters and infrared devices. And don't forget the FBI, if they have had time to get into the act before you are apprehended, plus possibly the National Guard. Unfortunately, you almost certainly do not know how to drive, so the car won't help you get away to where?

Then there's the local populace which has been alerted and is keeping an eye out for you. Many of them are armed and know how to use a rifle or a shotgun since hunting is a way of life and everyone knows how to use them. It would be wise for you to consider that they might shoot on sight.

So I am not at all concerned about housing terrorists on US soil. Nor should you be.

I hope this helps you all understand why I disregard right wing fearmongers like Cheney, who never met a war he was willing to serve in, or passed up an opportunity to instill fear in the US citizenry.