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It was difficult for me to celebrate the recent US Supreme Court ruling striking down the use of "military tribunals" (i.e. fake courts) for supposed terrorism suspects. Until I see that the junta actually complies with the ruling, and replaces their kangaroo courts with real trials, it's just a statement on paper.

You'll recall that in July 2004 there was a 6-3 ruling in favour of the prisoners in Guantanamo. At that time - four years ago - the US Supreme Court said that US courts have jurisdiction over the prisoners, that they can challenge their incarcerations through normal legal methods, and that habeas corpus applies.

The White House ignored it.

In fact, it was in response to that 2004 ruling that the Cheney administration set up the fake courts that were the subject of last week's ruling. Four years later, nothing has changed for the prisoners, most of whom have been there since 2001.

The junta has demonstrated their contempt for the law and the US Constitution over and over again. This ruling could be a turning point in their self-appointed expansion of powers. Or it could be completely ignored. My money is on ignored, and I'll be thrilled to be wrong.

While we wait for that verdict, why not pick up a Gitmo hat or t-shirt? Perhaps a mug or keychain for your mom. From the Washington Post blog Sleuth.In light of Thursday's Supreme Court ruling on detainees at Guantanamo Bay, we thought it would be a good time to disclose the "presents" we received last week from the gift shop at Gitmo.

The Sleuth's husband, a reporter who went to Guantanamo last week to cover the arraignment of five 9/11 suspects, brought back not one but three surprises: a Guantanamo Bay windbreaker, a baseball cap and a t-shirt. (Honey, you shouldn't have!)

Yes, the Gitmo Naval base actually sells t-shirts, caps and other souvenirs advertising its detainee operations. And apparently, military base officials were thrilled to have reporters buying up goodies at the gift shop for their loved ones back home.

The t-shirt is the most gung-ho of the souvenirs about boasting the base's detainee operations, the future of which, thanks to the Supreme Court, is now in question.

The left breast of the front of the shirt is emblazoned with the words "Operation Enduring Freedom" and "JTF," which stands for Joint Task Force. The back of the shirt, in large lettering, says "JTF GTMO" and in slightly smaller font below it, "DETAINEE OPERATIONS, U.S. NAVAL STATION, GUANTANAMO BAY, CUBA."
Check out Sleuth for pictures and links.

Do they sell t-shirts at Auschwitz?