NDAA 2012

For the first time in the history of the United States, the federal government has given itself the power to authorize the arrest and indefinite detention of any American citizen.  Not only can an American citizen be arrested and imprisoned, but this may be done without charge and without trial.  No reasonable cause is necessary, and no check on this authority is granted.  This power was granted via legislation: the National Defense Authorization Act of 2012, specifically in sections 1021 and 1022.  These sections were controversial from their inception, and attempts were made to amend them to exclude American citizens from their jurisdiction, but these amendments failed. This was a bipartisan bill; neither party may be excused, as tyranny transcends parties. Obama used a signing statement to promise he will never use these provisions on an American citizen.  How much do you trust Obama?  How much do you trust his successor?  And how much do you trust your own representatives who granted this power?  U.S. representatives Tim Huelskamp, Lynn Jenkins, Kevin Yoder, and Mike Pompeo voted for the bill.  U.S. senators Pat Roberts and Jerry Moran voted for the bill. The media has been silent. 

The right to a speedy trial by jury is our most ancient and basic right. It protects us from being accused of a crime we did not commit, and checks the power of both the judicial and the executive.  For us to give up our rights in the name of security allows the terrorists to achieve their goal of destroying our ideals. To give unchecked power to the Obama administration, or any administration, is irresponsible at best, treasonous at worst.  Will we tolerate their treason, or will we remind them that Kansans retain the primal spirit of resistance to injustice?

~My letter to the editor of the Emporia Gazette.  This letter contains 1,773 characters.