Sen. Paul and Judge Napolitano Weigh in on S. 1867 (Nov. 30)

Unfortunately, this video is now a few days out of date, and as we now know, the bill has passed with only seven senators dissenting, including Senator Paul.  Judge Napolitano is one of the only MSM pundits that I can routinely stomach, and it’s nice that he gives a voice to notable libertarians like Senator Paul and his father, Ron Paul, Jeffrey Tucker of the Mises Institute, and other freedom fighters.  Give a listen.  There is no reason why we should be denying anyone – regardless of how guilty they may be in the eyes of the government or the court of popular opinion – the right to due process.

Freedom Watch: Have the Terrorists Won?

Kill This Bill: S. 1867

The Senate has cooked up yet another harebrained bill that is going to cost Americans more of the precious little liberty we have left.  S. 1867, or the National Defense Authorization Act, includes two clauses, 1031 and 1032, which effectively extend the battlefield of the “war on terror” to the homeland.  Section 1031 allows for American citizens to be detained and arrested by the military, sent to prisons on foreign soil, and held indefinitely without due process.  Habeas corpus, anyone?

This bill, drafted by John McCain (gag) and Carl Levin, effectively gives the president powers to target anyone, foreign or American, for immediate arrest and imprisonment at the hands of the US military.  This may be done in the USA or abroad.  That person may then be sent to a detention center, foreign or domestic, and held there without due process and without being informed of the reasons for his or her captivity.  This is nothing less than dictatorial power.  It is unconstitutional and cannot be justified for any reason.

There is a reason that our Constitution guarantees our rights.  Everyone, regardless of how guilty he or she may appear, is entitled the benefit of the doubt.  Innocent until proven guilty.  Otherwise, the police and government would be able to engage in witch hunts, wherein anyone could be a target for any reason.  This would effectively sow the seeds for a police state.

For those people who think, “That’s not me.  What would the government ever want with me?” the answer is that they can change their minds about that every day, and everyone is suspect.  It’s a very slippery slope upon which to tread.  The Department of Homeland Security lists the following actions as potentially suspicious and/or linked to terrorist activity: buying gold; paying for items with cash; owning guns; giving to charity, and; using a watch or binoculars.  I honestly think that describes half of the Midwest.

Several senators have come out against this bill, including Senators Mark Udall (D-CO), Dianne Feinstein (D-CA), and Rand Paul (R-KY).  Senator Paul drafted legislation to eliminate sections 1031 and 1032, but it was voted down 70-30.  The bill itself has not yet come to vote, although President Obama has promised to veto it, should it arrive on his desk.  I generally doubt everything that Obama says, but if he does keep his word on this one, I will think substantially more of him than I did previously.

In any case, I encourage everyone to contact their senators immediately.  Here is a link for you to find your Senate representatives.  Let them know what you think.  Let them know that you’re pissed and you vote.  Please take the time to do this.  It is incredibly important.