Public opinion on the proposed Spirit Cave prison is pouring in to the Post.  The most representative opinions on both sides will be published daily until the issue is decided.

Against the Prison, George Miller:

The DHS plan for a terrorist prison in Pearlville is absurd.  Pearlville is a quiet community and the residents like it that way.  A terrorist prison at Spirit Cave will put Pearlville in the national media spotlight.  Government officials taking over the town, civil rights groups protesting, plus who-knows-what unanticipated problems will change the culture of our community.  For all the promise of high security, what happens if a terrorist escapes?  Will he blow up Pearlville?  And has anyone asked the Grassmans if they want a terrorist prison in their neighborhood?  They are good neighbors and don’t bother anyone.  Why should we allow the government to intrude on their territory?  All in all, this is a bad idea and the Council needs to vote it down.

For the Prison, Alan Sharper:

Let’s look at the facts.  It will be a small facility with 25 prisoners.  This will mean a handful of new residents to manage the prison and a few frequent visitors from the government.  Pearlville will get a little economic boost, and that will be very helpful in this economy.  Security is not an issue.  The Marines know how to handle these people and there have been no security problems in Guantanamo.  I agree with the concern over the Grassmans territory.  They have not been included in the discussion so far, and they have expressed some concerns.  Assuming that the Grassmans issues can be resolved, the Council should vote “yes” on the Spirit Cave Prison.