In the fight against terrorism, the U.S. government seems to have permanently forgotten the fundamentals of democracy.

Due process of law and the right to a fair and speedy trial are not part of protocol at Guantanamo Bay, a U.S. naval base and makeshift prisoner-of-war camp that has imprisoned suspected terrorists since 2002.

At "Gitmo," about 500 inmates are currently being held in captivity for an indefinite period of time with no reason to hope for a fair trial.

The latest development at Gitmo is a plan to construct a two-story complex, complete with air conditioning, a health clinic and a recreation center.

This project begs the question: Is the U.S. government preparing to detain these suspects for a long period of time?

Military officials insist the plan is not a "sign of permanency." But the new facility, expected to be completed in June, would be able to house 200 prisoners and has been christened a "permanent prison camp" by the director of the American Civil Liberties Union.

But government officials say the complex would improve the quality of life for detainees while they are imprisoned by the United States.

These prisoners don't need air conditioning and a weight room; they need to be charged with the crimes they are accused of committing and given an opportunity to defend themselves in fair and speedy trials.

The current system puts no burden of proof on the government and makes it easy for innocent people to spend years in prison with no chance of freedom.

The war on terror presents a problem for which there is no precedent. As a result, where and when suspects should be tried is an issue still up for debate.

However, just because these prisoners are not being detained on American soil does not mean they don't deserve the same rights as those who are.