Freedom Lost

Freedom has been disappearing in this country since its founding. In recent decades, the deterioration of rights and protections has accelerated so much so that even basic freedoms are endangered.

The process by which freedom is lost is not complex. Lord Acton's adage: "power corrupts and absolute power corrupts absolutely" provides the basis for understanding. Power once gained is never relinquished, at least willingly. Power granted is always used and abused. The demand for power is never sated. As power is gained it makes it easier to achieve even more of it.

Senate Bill #S1867 has raised red flags among readers. It threatens a freedom thought sacrosanct, but apparently not. Here is the take of one who wishes anonymity:

If you are ACCUSED of being a terrorist, the military can imprison you INDEFINITELY without right to trial. Habeas corpus will be suspended per Senate Bill # S1867 which was passed in the Senate and subject to conference with the House Bill #1540. Amendments to protect U.S. citizens against the suspension of habeas corpus have been defeated.

Chris Martenson's Daily Summary led me to this story: Suspend habeas corpus and enact martial law? http://www.journalinquirer.com/articles/2011/12/12/chris_powell/doc4ee6179b321e6127406122.txt

Others have serious concerns as to what it means for the future of our country. Are we destined to have our rights reduce to what are found in a third-world country dominated by a dictator?

For more information on this troubling bill, the following links have are suggested:

The most troublesome part of the legislation is described by the Congressional Research Service as "Subtitle D -- Detainee Matters (Sec. 1031) here

This section makes no distinction between U.S. citizens within the United States and anyone anywhere else in the world. Anyone simply accused of being a terrorist here or abroad is subject to indefinite military detention.

Here is the actual text of Subtitle D:

The section does not exempt U.S. citizens. Mere accusation is sufficient for "detention under the law of war without trial until the end of the hostilities authorized by the Authorization for Use of Military Force."

Here's an article from The Hill about unsuccessful efforts to remove the troublesome part of the legislation:

Congress just passed the National Defense Authorization Act in a 283-to-136 vote. 190 Republicans and 93 Democrats voted for; 43 Republicans and 93 Democrats voted "against." Prepare to be arrested, without charge, simply because someone "up there" believes you engage in "terroristy" stuff. Good luck proving them wrong.

One provision would authorize the military to indefinitely detain without charge people suspected of involvement with terrorism, including United States citizens apprehended on American soil. Due process would be a thing of the past. Some claim that this provision would merely codify existing practice. Current law empowers the military to detain people caught on the battlefield, but this provision would expand the battlefield to include the United States -- and hand Osama bin Laden an unearned victory long after his well-earned demise.