OUTSPOKEN WITH BRUCE AND GAYDOS
McCain in favor of principle behind ransom policy changes
Jun 24, 2015, 5:34 PM | Updated: 5:38 pm
Sen. John McCain (R-Arizona) spoke to Mac and Gaydos on KTAR News 92.3 FM about U.S. policy changes that will allow families of hostages to negotiate with terrorists.
President Barack Obama outlined the new policies Wednesday that could make it easier for families to pay ransom for the release of their relatives. The previous law had been in place to keep Americans at a lower risk when traveling abroad. Rep. Paul Gosar (R-Arizona) is of that opinion and said he has concerns about the possibility of Americans being targeted.
McCain used to also feel this way, but changed his previous stance to one more sensitive to the family’s viewpoint. He has gotten to know the family of Kayla Mueller of Prescott, Arizona, who died while imprisoned by the Islamic State in Syria.
“I can understand why someone who has lost a loved one as the Muellers lost their daughter, why they would do anything to regain their children or loved one.
“I sympathize with the family and I met with the Muellers today and I believe that if they wanted to raise money to bring their loved one home, I certainly am not going to stand in the way. That’s just not something I’m capable of.”
McCain does not think this will put Americans at greater risk, specifically when dealing with the Islamic State.
“I think it’s pretty clear ISIS wants to capture Americans no matter what,” McCain said. “The fact that they would try to ransom their daughter, I don’t think increases the danger to Americans because these people are the most evil who have ever graced the face of the earth.”
Though McCain is in favor of the principle, he released a statement, concerned the policies do not go far enough.
“I am concerned that these policy changes do not go far enough to address the concerns of the families who have suffered through this nightmare,” McCain said. “For example, the fact that there is no clear-cut, written policy on whether those who assist in paying a ransom would be prosecuted leaves a troubling lack of clarity for families trying to get their loved ones home”
McCain elaborated on that point with Mac and Gaydos, again relating it back to the Mueller family.
“What the president had to say today I think was gray and not specific in a number of areas,” McCain said. “I don’t think frankly the Mueller family should have been threatened with jail when they were trying to raise money to ransom their daughter.”
