National Defense Authorization Act of 2007

If you want to read the damn thing, it's here.

As you are probably aware, the military has to be re-authorized biennially. Except for the Navy, which is different. The language in the Constitution is different: Congress can raise an army but it can't keep it for more than two years. The Navy doesn't have that stipulation. The implication is that the Founders could easily envision not having an army but we had to have unfettered access to Europe, therefore, a navy.

Anyway. That's what this is: the every-two-years re-authorization of the army (and air force).

It is also the blueprint for the end of democracy and the permanent ascendancy of the Dear Leader and the Lesser Leader.

Buried deep, in a bill signed without a ceremony, is the following:

"(a) Use of Armed Forces in Major Public Emergencies- (1) The President may employ the armed forces, including the National Guard in Federal service, to--

`(A) restore public order and enforce the laws of the United States when, as a result of a natural disaster, epidemic, or other serious public health emergency, terrorist attack or incident, or other condition in any State or possession of the United States, the President determines that--

`(i) domestic violence has occurred to such an extent that the constituted authorities of the State or possession are incapable of maintaining public order; and

`(ii) such violence results in a condition described in paragraph (2); or

`(B) suppress, in a State, any insurrection, domestic violence, unlawful combination, or conspiracy if such insurrection, violation, combination, or conspiracy results in a condition described in paragraph (2).

`(2) A condition described in this paragraph is a condition that--

`(A) so hinders the execution of the laws of a State or possession, as applicable, and of the United States within that State or possession, that any part or class of its people is deprived of a right, privilege, immunity, or protection named in the Constitution and secured by law, and the constituted authorities of that State or possession are unable, fail, or refuse to protect that right, privilege, or immunity, or to give that protection; or

`(B) opposes or obstructs the execution of the laws of the United States or impedes the course of justice under those laws.

`(3) In any situation covered by paragraph (1)(B), the State shall be considered to have denied the equal protection of the laws secured by the Constitution."

So. We've given the president the authority to use the military of the United States against US citizens without the approval of the governor or legislature of the state where they will be deployed. Read the part about the National Guard again -- he can take command of the National Guard away from the governor without permission. This is all new.

Plus there's $500,000 authorized as organizational money for this sort of use.

Did you know that the US Army Corps of Engineers awarded Kellogg, Brown and Root (a Halliburton subsidiary) a contract worth $385 million to build detention centers in the US? Detention centers? Y'know, for "an emergency influx of immigrants, or to support the rapid development of new programs" (emphasis is mine). How do you think they plan to get people in those detention centers (which, by the way, have secret locations)? I don't think they plan to use INS. The "black prisons" in Europe have gotten a little press but it turns out that we're building secret prisons in the US. Let me say that again: WE ARE BUILDING SECRET PRISONS IN THE UNITED STATES.

And we torture prisoners.

And the president can name anybody he wants an enemy combatant.

And enemy combatants are denied any legal redress. They are prisoners at the whim of the president.

Ladies and gentlemen, this is not wild-eyed conspiracy stuff. This is not lunatic ravings. These are just simple, documented facts. It all suggests to me that they do not plan to give up power. Ever.

Are you prepared to do your duty? Are you prepared to take the same oath that President Bush and Vice-President Chaney took: "I do solemly swear that I will . . . to the best of my Ability, preserve, protect and defend the Constitution of the United States.”?


Don't forget Father Niemoller:

When the Nazis came for the communists, I remained silent; I was not a communist.

When they locked up the social democrats, I remained silent; I was not a social democrat.

When they came for the trade unionists, I did not speak out; I was not a trade unionist.

When they came for the Jews, I did not speak out; I was not a Jew.

When they came for me, there was no one left to speak out.


Don't forget Thomas Jefferson:

From time to time the tree of liberty must be refreshed with the blood of tyrrants and patriots.