Should it surprise me that our current “leadership” has managed to hijack our democracy with the latest legislation? Legislation that says that if our “leaders” decide that someone is an “enemy combatant” they can order that person arrested, held without trial, denied legal representation, the right to one telephone call, the right to be confronted by evidence or an accuser and denied the right to a speedy trial.
This law gives the administration this authority over anyone whether they are a U.S. citizen, a foreign national or a terrorist bomber. World history is replete with examples of similar laws and times when peoples have excused similar abuses due to irrational fears. A notable example, of course, is Nazi Germany and the treatment of the Jewish people, homosexuals, people of color and other “undesirables.” In our country’s history, for those who need reminding, this basic abuse was one of several justifications for declaring our independence from the tyranny of England. This protection has not, sadly, always been afforded all citizens. Witness the attempted eradication of Native Americans, the abuses against Chinese immigrants in the gold rushes, the shameful treatment of African slaves because they were considered less than human and thus without rights, and the internment of Japanese Americans.
I grew up hearing our leaders and these groups expressing their outrage over those past injustices. I assumed these people would be the first to protest against this loss of constitutional protection. None of my ancestors come from any of these groups, but this law concerns me for my protection, the protection of my family and the protection of the American Constitution.
Just remember that we don’t need to silence the media if we can just arrest and hold without trial any editor or writer who presents a story in a way that the administration does not like.
Dan Hults
Everett
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