WASHINGTON — Senators compromised Thursday on a bill that attempts to spell out the military’s right to detain Americans indefinitely, killing a bid to bar the practice but passing an amendment that says current laws on the matter stand.
The provision in the National Defense Authorization Act aimed to codify a string of court cases and current anti-terrorism practices involved in the capture and treatment of terrorism suspects. It initially opened what opponents saw as the prospect of letting the military haul away any citizen about whom it had suspicions.
The new amendment specifies that the current practices may not change, although it also says explicitly that the military can pursue Americans at home.
“Nothing in this section shall be construed to affect existing law or authorities relating to the detention of United States citizens, lawful resident aliens of the United States or any other persons who are captured or arrested in the United States,” says the compromise amendment, which passed 99 to 1.
Deeply thankful, Johannes, for bringing awareness to this topic ~ Under the long standing laws that allow the rights of certain American citizens to be denied without hearing or trial .. and even imprisoned indefinitely is criminal in itself … Those who support these so-called counter terrorism laws should consider the following ~
They came first for the Communists
and I didn’t speak up because I wasn’t a Communist.
Then they came for the trade unionists,
and I didn’t speak up because I wasn’t a trade unionist.
Then they came for the Catholics,
and I didn’t speak up because I wasn’t a Catholic.
Then they came for me,
and by that time no one was left to speak up.
HOLY WOW……you’ve got to be kidding me! – O_O
Thanx Joh for posting up this article up — this is definitely something that must be brought to people’s attention across the country, news that the mass media probably wouldnt broadcast, and with so many people preoccupied with financial troubles and everything else…..this would easily slip under the “public radar” – (and then we’re like, “Ohhh…what happened????”) –
I just read two similar articles regarding the National Defense Authorit act, and it really is quite disturbing to think that….anyone, within the U.S. — can be completely denied of their given rights….without due process, claim of innocence, or “Habeas Corpus”— just by the gov’t declaring him/her a “Terrorist” — What a way to completely abuse the governmental power of law….ridiculous!
Do we live in a “Free Country”, or a “Fear Country”?? – Is America the land of the free or the land of fear?? – May we pause and ask ourselves that very question….and seriously take a look around what’s going on in very subtle but gradually detrimental ways…..just like a health condition that sneaks up behind us without knowing, before we really know what’s happening, it would have been already too late…..it is time, to “Wake Up America!” –
(reminds me while playing one fav vid game of mine….the latest Call of Duty, Modern Warfare series….which enacts “fictional” events dated in modern-day time…and puts you right in the middle of the action — Much of the themes in the game loosely reflect what goes on behind the scenes w/ government powers gone awry, terrorism, martial law….etc. — it does make me pause and think……what’s really going on in the “world world” today) — it’s all too close to home…..
What’s happening for real, is no game — We really must remain our public awareness to the frightening political agendas at play here…It’s one thing, to create laws to detain actual “bad people” to do “bad things” and help protect the citizens…..it’s another thing to completely strip us of our liberties and declare anyone a “terrorist” – no proof at all needed…….with this “act” in effect, it creates a situation where it could mean a “military takeover of the justice system”? — a “police state” — and a blur between what makes a terrorist…..or not……”It is time for the citizens to speak up for their rights before they are gone”
And thnx Coralinni for sharing that thought-provoking saying: — Perfect!!! — may we not be the only one left with no one for us to speak up ~ let us ALL voice our worries…..and finally let the gov’t know….that what they are doing, is HURTING the good of the citizens, and the country….instead of the other way around ~
Here’s the articles i found about the Nat’l Defense Act:
http://vigilantcitizen.com/latestnews/the-national-defense-authorization-act-opens-the-door-to-a-police-state/
http://blog.nj.com/dr_aref_assaf/2011/12/a_national_defense_act_or_how_to_undermine_the_us_constitution.html
I am still stunned upon hearing this news….what the heck is wrong with the Senate?? – or our gov’t in general?? – is it purposely sabotaging our rights as citizens?! — it’s almost like we have to walk on eggshells so the military/police dont close blasting down our doors at home and arrest us for “whatever reason” — I tell ya, it’s downright freaky!
Here’s yet another one i found about it – this is been really taking off (even on facebook i find newsfeeds of this very controversial bill) –
http://www.bloomberg.com/news/2011-12-09/bill-with-military-detention-of-all-terror-suspects-deserves-a-veto-view.html
A quote that made me think of Johannes and Yannaki too ~ Thank you for speaking out against injustice ~
“Each time a person stands up for an ideal, or acts to improve the lot of others,
or strikes out against injustice, he sends forth a tiny ripple of hope,
and crossing each other from a million different centers of energy and daring,
these ripples build a current that can sweep down the mightiest walls
of oppression and resistance.” Robert Kennedy ~
Another President that speaks against injustice is Jimmy Carter ~ Here is a quote from the Jimmy Carter web site regarding the current administration’s broken promise to close the U.S. facility in Cuba at Guantanamo Bay .. where under the Bush presidency, torture took place ~
The Carter web site says the following: “President-elect Barack Obama has pledged to shut down the detention facility at Guantanamo Bay and end torture, which can be accomplished by executive orders to close the prison and by enforcing existing prohibitions against torture by any U.S. representative, including FBI and CIA agents. The detention of people secretly or indefinitely and without due process must cease..”
http://www.cartercenter.org/news/editorials_speeches/obamas_human_rights_opportunity.html
As Yannaki’s article states – sadly the new bills will make it harder to close Guantanamo Bay ~
Thank you Johannes for starting this compassionate blog for the protection of every citizen and speaking out for human rights ~~~