Just recently the United Sates senate passed a bill that would allow the military to detain any American citizen indefinitely anywhere in the world, including the United States, without presenting any charges. You read this correctly. The United States military can pluck anyone off the street at will if the president does not veto this bill. So far a wide array of government organizations have come out against this to include the Pentagon and the FBI but, the 60 senators voted for this bill anyway. Many people thought that after the killing of enemy number one, Osama Bin-laden, that such Orwellian legislation would no longer be passed but, I guess this is not the case. We truly live in bizarre times, such legislation is almost unbelievable! Then again, the state of society today would have almost been unbelievable 20 years ago. We really do live in a fantastic age.
I don’t think I should have to go into how monstrous this legislation is. It should be obvious to anyone that this totally uproots the constitution and the hundreds of years of precedent not to use the military to police the civilian population. Instead of focusing on this law that is obviously immoral, I think it would be better to focus on how we got here.
To most lovers of liberty that understand the constitution and the law, this bill is unlikely to surprise them. The eroding of the constitution has been happening for a very long time and no one really seems to care. Children are not taught about natural law in schools and have no idea what it truly means to have a “right.” Most people take their freedoms for granted and never expect the institutions that they have grown to respect to betray them. They are taught that governments are the protectors of liberty but, in reality it is liberty’s major enemy. It can be seen throughout history. When populations are forced into serf like existence, it is usually by their own government, not a foreign power. To expect our country to be somehow unique in all of history in this regard is comfortingly naïve but, is not true, especially when one takes a hard look at our own history thus far. The Federal government deported congressmen in the civil war and used union troops to intimidate Supreme Court justices in the middle of the night. Woodrow Wilson also locked up thousands of people that wrote articles or spoke critically about our involvement in World War I and the draft. FDR locked up thousands of Japanese without charge while allowing German Americans to live unmolested. Though the American people are naturally good human beings, the American government, like any government, often has little qualms about crushing individual liberty if it thinks that it can get away with it. I think part of this is the kind of people that are attracted to government positions. They are not the kind of people that want to work or serve the public but, they want to shape society into their ideal image. They truly think that people are too dumb to rule themselves and must be forced to behave in ways that conform to its rulers ideals.
Another reason that we are here today is because the government over the last hundred years has entered into every sphere of human activity. Slowly the public has become desensitized to government involvement in even the most personal activities. If the government says who you can marry and what you can put into your body, regulate every single economic activity under the sun, and take a cut of every monetary transaction, is it so hard to believe that the government might treat us as their property? If I can’t decide what to put into my own body, is it truly mine? Once you claim that the government has the right to protect you from yourself and violate property rights in every area, it is hard to make the argument that you are still your own person and are entitled to any right whatsoever.
For over a hundred years the American government has also been in charge of education and for over a hundred years the old studies of philosophy, law, and natural rights have given way to simple accreditation instead of learning. The nonsensical idea of appreciating cultural diversity instead of embracing natural law is now the style of education. The public simply does not have the cognitive tools to deal with such assaults on liberty because reason is no longer taught. Children are told what to think, not how to think. Docile consumers are much better than a free thinking public that understands the rule of law.
In more recent times the loss of liberty and the flagrant violations of the constitution have accelerated. The Patriot Act allows roving wire taps and the FBI to search a person’s house without a Judge’s authorization. The TSA is ruthless in sexually abusing old ladies, house wives, and children, while taking pornographic pictures of them. SPC Manning was held for almost a year with no charges being filed. The president has ordered the assassination of an American citizen, an act which also resulted in the death of a sixteen year old, who was an American citizen as well, with no authorization whatsoever. This recent bill is the next logical step of a government that is slowly ratcheting up its police powers. It simply codifies into law what the government has been doing anyway. Hopefully this law is a wakeup call to people telling them where this country is headed. But for those that love liberty, this bill is shocking only in degree, not in kind.
If there ever was anything to the slippery slope argument, this bill is it. I generally don’t like using the slippery slope argument because the incredulity of most people usually just results in them rolling their eyes. But this is a glaring example of how totally true the argument is. If you let the government kill citizens overseas with no charges, one day they will grant themselves the power to lock up citizens at home without charges. Predator drones flying over cities might not disturb some people but, in a few years they might by flying up to people’s windows looking to make sure that you are not doing anything in your house that the government deems a crime. With the list of non-violent nanny state crimes growing everyday, this is truly a scary thought. This is the natural way governments work and when the government starts routinely flying drones up to people’s windows, it is likely most people won’t really care that much, even though we would find it outrageous today. People would have also found the idea of a President assassinating American citizens outrageous during Reagan’s day but, the people today barely raise an eyebrow. We have been headed down this slippery slope for a long time now and I don’t like to think about what the bottom looks like. But if history is any guide, it will be pretty darn scary. Let’s hope we never get there.
Liberty is never taken all at once. It takes years, often decades until one day people start waking up and realizing they are no longer free and have not been for a long time.
Maybe a decade or two from now Americans might wake up thinking the same thing. Maybe liberty is truly the greatest under-appreciated gift in the history of the world. Maybe the constitution’s greatest hour of danger is now.
Heya i’m for the primary time here. I came across this board and I in finding It truly useful & it helped me out a lot. I hope to offer something back and help others like you helped me.
Hi to every body, it’s my first pay a visit of this weblog; this blog consists of awesome and actually good data for readers.
Wow, that’s what I was searching for, what a data! present here at this webpage, thanks admin of this site.
I like what you guys are up too. Such clever work and coverage! Keep up the great works guys I’ve incorporated you guys to blogroll.
Hello! Do you know if they make any plugins to protect against hackers? I’m kinda paranoid about losing everything I’ve worked hard on. Any recommendations?
Hi, yes this article is truly pleasant and I have learned lot of things from it regarding blogging. thanks.
okey giriş hakkında detaylı bilgi ve en eğlenceli okey oyunu için hemen şimdi websitesi adresimizi ziyaret edin.
Hey there, You have performed an excellent job. I will definitely digg it and in my opinion recommend to my friends. I am sure they will be benefited from this site.
Hey very interesting blog!
Howdy would you mind letting me know which webhost you’re working with? I’ve loaded your blog in 3 completely different web browsers and I must say this blog loads a lot quicker then most. Can you suggest a good internet hosting provider at a reasonable price? Thanks a lot, I appreciate it!
e ticaret eğitimi veren kurumlar hakkında detaylı bilgi veya sunduğu eşsiz eğitim fırsatlarını kaçırmayın. Bugün bir adım atın ve hem yeni bir öğrenme yolculuğuna başlayın hem de iş fırsatları için hemen şimdi websitemizi ziyaret edin !
I’m not sure where you are getting your info, but good topic. I needs to spend some time learning more or understanding more. Thanks for great information I was looking for this information for my mission.
Undeniably believe that that you stated. Your favourite justification appeared to be at the internet the simplest thing to take into account of. I say to you, I definitely get irked whilst other people consider worries that they plainly do not realize about. You controlled to hit the nail upon the top as well as defined out the whole thing with no need side effect , folks can take a signal. Will likely be back to get more. Thank you
Hey, you used to write excellent, but the last few posts have been kinda boringK I miss your tremendous writings. Past several posts are just a little out of track! come on!
Hi! I know this is kinda off topic however I’d figured I’d ask. Would you be interested in exchanging links or maybe guest writing a blog article or vice-versa? My site addresses a lot of the same subjects as yours and I believe we could greatly benefit from each other. If you are interested feel free to send me an e-mail. I look forward to hearing from you! Fantastic blog by the way!
We stumbled over here different page and thought I might check things out. I like what I see so now i’m following you. Look forward to checking out your web page for a second time.
This is a topic that’s close to my heart… Many thanks! Where are your contact details though?
Hiya! This can be my primary thoughts below i really just desired to provide a quick shout away in addition to claim We honestly enjoy examining your content articles. Are you able to suggest any other blogs/websites/forums that will cope with a similar things? Cheers!
Highly energetic blog, I enjoyed that a lot. Will there be a part 2?
Detailed information about When is the balloon flight and breathtaking views of Cappadocia are waiting for you! Visit our website to make a reservation now!
magnificent issues altogether, you just gained a emblem new reader. What might you suggest in regards to your publish that you simply made a few days ago? Any positive?
Hey there would you mind letting me know which webhost you’re working with? I’ve loaded your blog in 3 completely different web browsers and I must say this blog loads a lot quicker then most. Can you suggest a good web hosting provider at a honest price? Kudos, I appreciate it!
Malatya Satılık Daire hakkında detaylı bilgi veya Dogu Emlak’ın sunduğu geniş portföy ve uzman ekibi sayesinde hayallerinizdeki evi bulmanız artık çok daha kolay. Hemen bugün web sitesini ziyaret edin ve yeni yaşamınıza ilk adımı atın!
I am regular reader, how are you everybody? This article posted at this site is really nice.
I am extremely inspired with your writing skills and alsosmartly as with the format in your blog. Is this a paid subject or did you customize it yourself? Either way stay up the nice quality writing, it’s rare to see a nice blog like this one these days..
What’s up mates, how is everything, and what you desire to say about this piece of writing, in my view its truly awesome for me.
Saved as a favorite, I like your blog!
Very good website you have here but I was curious if you knew of any discussion boards that cover the same topics talked about in this article? I’d really love to be a part of group where I can get opinions from other knowledgeable individuals that share the same interest. If you have any recommendations, please let me know. Cheers!
Pretty great post. I simply stumbled upon your blog and wanted to mention that I have really enjoyed browsing your blog posts. In any case I’ll be subscribing on your feed and I hope you write again soon!
Amazing Web page, Keep up the good work. Thanks.
Excellent, what a blog it is! This blog provides helpful information to us, keep it up.
Your style is so unique compared to other people I have read stuff from. Thank you for posting when you have the opportunity, Guess I will just bookmark this page.
What’s up to all, it’s really a good for me to visit this site, it consists of priceless Information.
Good day! I just would like to give you a huge thumbs up for the great info you’ve got here on this post. I’ll be coming back to your website for more soon.
I love reading a post that will make people think. Also, thanks for allowing for me to comment!
Spot on with this write-up, I truly believe this web site needs far more attention. I’ll probably be back again to read more, thanks for the info!
Hey there, You have performed an excellent job. I will definitely digg it and in my opinion recommend to my friends. I am sure they will be benefited from this site.
I needed to thank you for this wonderful read!! I certainly enjoyed every little bit of it. I’ve got you book marked to check out new stuff you post
This post is actually a nice one it helps new internet users, who are wishing for blogging.
Pretty great post. I simply stumbled upon your blog and wanted to mention that I have really enjoyed browsing your blog posts. In any case I’ll be subscribing on your feed and I am hoping you write again soon!
It’s not my first time to pay a visit this web site, i am visiting this website dailly and take good information from here daily.
Good day! Would you mind if I share your blog with my zynga group? There’s a lot of people that I think would really enjoy your content. Please let me know. Thanks
Yes! Finally something about %keyword1%.
Hello! I could have sworn I’ve been to this blog before but after browsing through some of the post I realized it’s new to me. Anyways, I’m definitely happy I found it and I’ll be bookmarking and checking back often!
Thanks for your marvelous posting! I really enjoyed reading it, you may be a great author. I will be sure to bookmark your blog and will eventually come back someday. I want to encourage that you continue your great job, have a nice day!
Thanks designed for sharing such a pleasant opinion, article is good, thats why i have read it fully
Good info. Lucky me I found your site by accident (stumbleupon). I have saved it for later!
Hello there, You have done a great job. I will definitely digg it and personally recommend to my friends. I am sure they will be benefited from this web site.
Thanks designed for sharing such a pleasant idea, article is good, thats why i have read it fully
Appreciating the dedication you put into your website and in depth information you present. It’s great to come across a blog every once in a while that isn’t the same unwanted rehashed material. Excellent read! I’ve saved your site and I’m including your RSS feeds to my Google account.