Meaning: The quote you provided comes from Bill Shuster, a former United States Congressman who represented Pennsylvania's 9th congressional district. In this quote, Shuster is discussing the treatment of detainees by the Department of Defense, specifically in the context of the Geneva Convention and the ethical considerations surrounding the treatment of individuals who have been detained due to their involvement in acts of violence or terrorism.

The Geneva Convention is a set of international agreements that establish the standards for the humanitarian treatment of individuals who are involved in armed conflict. These standards are meant to ensure that individuals who are detained during times of war or conflict are treated with dignity and respect, and are protected from inhumane treatment. The conventions also outline the rights and protections that should be afforded to prisoners of war, including provisions for medical care, food, and other basic necessities.

In his statement, Shuster appears to be acknowledging that the Department of Defense is choosing to treat detainees in accordance with the Geneva Convention, despite the fact that it may not be legally required to do so in certain circumstances. This suggests that he views the decision to adhere to the standards of the Geneva Convention as a voluntary and ethical choice, rather than a mandatory obligation.

Shuster also highlights the fact that the detainees being held by the Department of Defense are individuals who have been involved in inhumane acts, referring to them as "killers." This characterization raises important moral and ethical questions about how individuals who have committed violent or terrorist acts should be treated, particularly in the context of international law and human rights.

The quote reflects a broader debate about the treatment of detainees and the balance between ensuring national security and upholding ethical standards. It raises questions about the appropriate response to individuals who have engaged in violent or terrorist activities, and the extent to which ethical considerations should influence the treatment of such individuals.

In the context of the War on Terror and the conflicts in Afghanistan and Iraq, the treatment of detainees has been a highly contentious and complex issue. The United States' detention practices, particularly at facilities such as Guantanamo Bay, have been the subject of intense scrutiny and debate, both domestically and internationally.

The quote also touches on the broader issue of how democratic societies should respond to acts of violence and terrorism, and how they should balance the imperative of national security with the protection of human rights and adherence to international law.

In conclusion, Bill Shuster's quote encapsulates the complex and morally charged debate surrounding the treatment of detainees and the ethical considerations that underpin such treatment. It reflects broader questions about the intersection of national security, human rights, and international law, and the challenges of navigating these competing imperatives in the context of modern conflict and terrorism.