Important? Gitmo prisoners vs Homeland Security...

From American Progress:

HUMAN RIGHTS -- HUNDREDS OF GUANTANAMO DETAINEES THOUGHT TO BE INNOCENT, WRONGLY SEIZED:

National Journal has published a cover-story expose debunking frequently-cited White House claims about Guantanamo detainees. "A high percentage, perhaps the majority, of the 500-odd men now held at Guantanamo were not captured on any battlefield, let alone on 'the battlefield in Afghanistan' [as Bush asserted] while 'trying to kill American forces' [as McClellan claimed]."

Among the publication's major findings: "Fewer than 20 percent of the Guantanamo detainees, the best available evidence suggests, have ever been Qaeda members," while "scores, perhaps hundreds" were "innocent, wrongly seized noncombatants" handed over by "reward-seeking Pakistanis and Afghan warlords."

HOMELAND SECURITY -- SHOWER CURTAINS, SHOWER DOORS, OR BULLET-PROOF VESTS?

The new headquarters of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms is at least $19 million over budget, in part because "ATF Director Carl J. Truscott put through or proposed unnecessary plan changes and upgrades to the 438,000-square-foot building in the past two years."

The Washington Post reports that Truscott "has devoted much of his time" recently to critical decisions like "the relative merits of shower curtains vs. shower doors, and soap dispensers vs. soap dishes for the building's gymnasium area." He also requested "nearly $300,000 in extras for the new director's suite, including a $65,000 conference table and more than $100,000 for hardwood floors, custom trim and other items."

Meanwhile, the Post reports, "the agency is considering sharp cuts in the number of new cars, bulletproof vests and other basics it provides agents."

Wrap...