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defrogIn case you missed it, here’s a slight update on the NDAA bill with those detention provisions that would essentially make it legal for the military to arrest terror suspects in the US and detain them without charge indefinitely:
It’s the law now. Congress passed it, and Obama signed it.
I’ve already said what I have to say about the detention provisions, and all of that still applies. The fact that Obama tacked on a signing statement promising his admin will never use the bill to indefinitely detain US citizens doesn’t really make me feel any better about it for a few reasons:
Or is that too pessimistic?
Well, either way, Americans now get to live in a country where the govt has that kind of power. Congratulations. Hope that works out for you.
Watch yr ass,
This is dF
It’s the law now. Congress passed it, and Obama signed it.
I’ve already said what I have to say about the detention provisions, and all of that still applies. The fact that Obama tacked on a signing statement promising his admin will never use the bill to indefinitely detain US citizens doesn’t really make me feel any better about it for a few reasons:
(1) Obama’s statement implies that while it’s not acceptable to detain US citizens without charge or trial indefinitely, it’s totally okay to do it to foreigners.
(2) Obama’s main objection to the detention provisions has chiefly been that it gives Congress powers that only the President should have, not that the powers exist or should never be used.
(3) Even if Obama is serious about his misgivings, he’s missing the point. It’s not just about how his admin might use such provisions – it’s every Presidential admin after him. It’s how the next Harding, Nixon or Bush Jr would use them. Or the next Dick Cheney, if you prefer.
(2) Obama’s main objection to the detention provisions has chiefly been that it gives Congress powers that only the President should have, not that the powers exist or should never be used.
(3) Even if Obama is serious about his misgivings, he’s missing the point. It’s not just about how his admin might use such provisions – it’s every Presidential admin after him. It’s how the next Harding, Nixon or Bush Jr would use them. Or the next Dick Cheney, if you prefer.
Or is that too pessimistic?
Well, either way, Americans now get to live in a country where the govt has that kind of power. Congratulations. Hope that works out for you.
Watch yr ass,
This is dF
