Amy Goodman has published a piece on AlterNet calling the trial of Australian David Hicks a "kangaroo court," but there was no similar condemnation just weeks ago when the alleged KSM confession was released. How is Hicks, according to the title of her essay, the "first victim" of Guantanamo? About Hicks, Goodman writes:

"The case of Hicks offers us a glimpse into the Kafkaesque netherworld of detentions, kidnappings, torture and show trials that is now, internationally, the shameful signature of the Bush administration. Hicks' passage through this sham process affords us all an opportunity to demand the closure of Guantanamo and an end to these heinous policies."

All of this is true. It is a "sham process" built on "heinous policies." But why no similar denunciation when KSM was allegedly dragged before a military tribunal? We have no reason to believe KSM is in custody, and if in custody we have no reason to believe his tortured confession. But clearly Goodman is emboldened because Hicks is white and not attached to 9/11 in any way. She writes:

"There are still more than 380 prisoners at Guantanamo. Almost none have been charged. Those ultimately charged with murder could be sentenced to death by the military commission. The decider of the death penalty after appeals are exhausted is none other than George Bush, who as governor of Texas oversaw the most active death chamber in the United States. Back then his lawyer was Alberto Gonzales."

Will Goodman stand and cry foul when KSM is allegedly put to death behind closed doors, perhaps as an October 2008 surprise? Bookmark her essay, and demand that she does.