Give Me Liberty - Handbook for American Revolutionaries

Naomi Wolf, author of "Give Me Liberty: A Handbook for American Revolutionaries" is interviewed October 4, 2008 on Mind Over Matters, KEXP 90.3 FM Seattle.

She connects a few dots including the 1878 Posse Comitatus coming to an end, abuse of citizens, arrests of journalists, instability, hyped threats and crises, martial law, the 2007 Defense Authorization Act, the Patriot act and the growing police state.  She believes that time is running out to stem this tide.  

What do you think?

Love > Fear

Canada Puts United States On Torture List

Hello America! Does it bother anyone that one of our closest allies, physically and metaphorically, has included us on their torture list? I expect it is not something that was said lightly or without consideration of consequence.

Is this what the democracy we are spreading to the world is supposed to look like?

Whose freedoms are we fighting for and where did my habeas corpus go?

Habeas Corpus Restoration Act

Take 10 minutes away from Survivor, CSI, X-Box or whatever else may be taking precedence in your life and contact your representatives to let them know how you want them to vote on the restoration of habeas corpus. They are your representatives, after all.

A quote from the site:

"We all want to make America safe from terrorism, but becoming a nation that sanctions the unlawful detention of its own residents -- detaining and jailing them without the chance to appear before a judge -- does not make us safe. Instead, it violates a value that we have held dear for centuries -- safeguarding our individual freedom before arbitrary state action."

I can tell you that my representatives, John Cornyn and Kay Bailey Hutchinson, both currently expect to vote against the restoration of habeas corpus. (What?) See how your representatives stand by clicking here or on the chart above.

Please take note that the Republicans are planning to fillibuster against the restoration of habeas corpus to counter the impact of the 2006 Military Commisions Act.

Whose freedoms are we fighting for?...
And where did my habeas corpus go?

Peter King - Too Many Mosques!

New York Rep. Peter King, a prominent House Republican, said "we have too many mosques in this country" and "we should find out how we can infiltrate, we should be more aggressive" to use the NYPD as an example, I think we should give the NYPD a medal for the job they did at the Republican convention" in a recent interview with Politico.



Deserve a medal? What do you think?

Restore Habeas Corpus!

We have lost a safeguard against illegal imprisonment that has endured as a cornerstone of legal justice since the Magna Carta in 1215 A.D.

It happened when no one was paying attention--During the politically charged atmosphere of the 2006 mid-term elections, the United States Congress (Republicans and Democrats) passed the Military Commissions Act of 2006.

One of the most important and terrifying parts of this act is that it removes the protection of the Great Writ of habeas corpus. The Military Commissions Act allows the government to declare anyone they wish as "alien combatants". Anyone can be held indefinitely, without charges and then be denied all fundamental judicial rights including the ability to appear before a judge and contest the charges.

You can get involved here: DefendHabeasCorpus.org

Habeas corpus is the name of a legal action whereby people being detained (jailed, imprisoned, etc.) can seek relief from unlawful imprisonment. The Great Writ has been one of the most important tools to safeguard the freedoms of citizens and visitors against arbitrary government action for almost 800years!

"The Great Writ," a writ of habeas corpus ad subjiciendum is a court order addressed to a prison official (or other custodian) ordering that a prisoner be brought before the court so that the court can determine whether that person is serving a lawful sentence or should be released from custody. The prisoner, or someone on his behalf, may petition the court or an individual judge for a writ of habeas corpus.

Memorial Day-Support the Troops, Support Peace.

In honor and admiration of those who go into harm's way with the intention of protecting freedom, liberty and people like me: Thank you for your service and your sacrifice. I honor you. I fight for you. I do what I do so that you won't have to do what you do.



I love you and wish you peace, health and a safe return home.

Soldiers bear the weight of the decisions our administration and representatives make. Do your duty as an American to hold our representatives accountable for their actions. Be accoutable for your own actions! Speak up, speak out, become a voice in the choir singing for reason, communication, and peace.

I don't want peace because I hate soldiers and love terrorists. I want peace because I love the people who have dedicated themselves to the idea of protecting me and know that sticking to the ideals that we have always believed to be at the core of America will reduce or eliminate those who wish to create terror within our borders.



If you support the troops, write your representatives in Congress, the Senate and the Whitehouse and ask for a return to an America that believes torture is wrong, imprisoning children is wrong, attacking countries that have not attacked us is wrong, removing habeas corpus is wrong, and that the Geneva Convention isn't just how other countries should treat American prisoners. Remember the Golden Rule: Treat others how you wish to be treated. Honor, integrity, communication, and altruism typically don't infuse people with hatred.

Support the troops, support peace.

3 Republican Candidates Support Torture!?!

It surprised me when I caught a piece of this at a restaurant last night. I thought I heard these people wrong. I went and looked it up on YouTube today and this is what I found:

During last night's GOP debate, Brit Hume set up a hypothetical situation in which 3 terrorist attacks occur at shopping malls in major cities. A fourth attack is thwarted and that would-be attacker, who we "know" has information about an impending, larger attack is captured and taken to Guantanamo Bay. The candidates were asked if "Enhanced Interrogation Techniques", including waterboarding, should be used to get information from the detainee.

All three said torture is acceptable!

McCain said he would use torture in the hypothetical situation presented. He said it would be a "million to one" scenario, but he would authorize and then railed on using torture.

Giuliani said, with no qualms, he would use "enhanced interrogation techniques" including waterboarding (to applause).

Mitt Romney said that he doesn't want them to have access to lawyers. He then said that,

"Some people have said we should close Guantanamo. My view is, we ought to double Guantanamo. (Lots of applause.) There is no question that in a setting like that where you have a ticking bomb and the president, not the C.I.A. interrogator, but the President of the United States has to make the call and enhanced interrogation techniques HAVE to be used, not torture, but enhanced interrogation techniques. Yes."

These people are running for president?

Boston Legal-Gitmo Closing

James Spader in Boston Legal giving his closing statements regarding a Guantanamo Bay detainee. Sound like anyone you know? I know it sounds like people I know. Actually it sounds like every logical American when they slow down enough to think about it and respond.

(courtesy of Crooks & Liars)

Chat with your friends. See what they think. If you all feel like this, see what can you come up with to help put the country back on track.

What habeas corpus?

This short video will give you an amazing look into the mind of Attorney General Alberto Gonzales and how the administration views the electorate. In the clip, Senator Patrick Leahy referring to the Military Commissions Act of 2006 that discards habeas corpus. Remember this act was passed by Republicans and Democrats in the House and Senate.

Specter: Now wait a minute, wait a minute. The Constitution says you can't take it away except in the case of invasion or rebellion. Doesn't that mean you have the right of habeas corpus?

Gonzales: "I meant by that comment that the Constitution doesn't say that every individual in the United States or every citizen has or is assured the right of habeas corpus. It doesn't say that. It simply says that the right of habeas corpus shall not be suspended."

Now, there's a quotable quote.

Gonzales: Federal Judges are Unqualified

Attorney General Alberto Gonzales says, "...federal judges are unqualified to make rulings affecting national security policy". Read the entire article here.

"Attorney General Alberto Gonzales says federal judges are unqualified to make rulings affecting national security policy, ramping up his criticism of how they handle terrorism cases."

"In remarks prepared for delivery Wednesday, Gonzales says judges generally should defer to the will of the president and Congress when deciding national security cases. He also raps jurists who "apply an activist philosophy that stretches the law to suit policy preferences.""

Just one man's point of view...

Thanks to Kieran for sending me this one. This occurred back in October, but it should not be forgotten. I think it is important for all Americans to familiarize themselves with the Military Commissions Act of 2006. My hope is that after familiarizing themselves, they will get involved.

Quotable Quote

I don't have much time for in-depth blogging today. I will leave you with a quote that was as valid during the formation of our country as it is today:

"Freedom of religion, freedom of the press, and freedom of person under the protection of the habeaus corpus, these are the principles that have guided our steps through an age of revolution and reformation."
~Benjamin Franklin

Democrats take the House and the Senate

Ok...
I know I said I wasn't going to post while in Canada, but I feel I need to address the "change of power" in the House and the Senate. Many Canadians and Americans that I have been speaking with are elated about Democrats taking control of both houses. I'm glad to see some of the most dangerous psychopaths and sycophants removed from office, but I am very skeptical.

I keep hearing that our government will now be working together. That sounds nice, but I would prefer that our House and Senate become completely stalemated. I've seen what our government can do when they join together to provide for the "security and safety" of US citizens and citizens of countries around the world. The result of Democrats and Republicans cooperating has brought us the Iraq War, the Patriot Act, and the Military Commissions Act of 2006. Each action that our "representatives" join hands on is more Draconian and oppressive than the last.

Republicans vs. Democrats is a false dichotomy!!! Wake up!!! Let's start holding all of our representatives accountable for their decisions. Otherwise, we will all be lost in the pendulum swing between the two parties and their ideals. When the pendulum swings between these two parties it barely moves. Nancy Pelosi and the Democratic leadership has already promised not to pursue impeachment.

Here's something that might add to our safety...force legislators to read the bills prior to voting on them. Then...hold them accountable for how they voted. (Of course this means getting involved.) This seems like it would be common sense. It seems like our representatives might want to actually do what they are being paid $160K a year to do.

I'll be editing this message when I have access to a computer for more than 10 minutes and access to a computer with something other than Chinese characters.

Keep the pressure on your representatives. It seems like a good time to relax, but now is a good time to get involved.

As always...I welcome your input. If you don't want to respond on my blog...send me an e-mail.

Military Commisions Act Response

I tried to address the Military Commissions Act of 2006 this morning. I ended up with a 3 page rant. I have decided to spare you my disjointed frustration with our Congress, Senate, and the Administration and let Keith have the floor this morning:

Darkest Day in American History

Military Commissions Act of 2006

A disgusting piece of tyranny, portrayed as a necessary protection for American citizens that has the exact opposite impact, was passed by Democrats and Republicans, Conservatives and Liberals and has been signed into law by George W. Bush. It marks today as the darkest day in American history.

Use the Library of Congress to search for the Military Commissions Act of 2006 to read the bill yourself. Wake up and smell the detention centers.

Section 1, Article 9 of the United States Constitution states: The Privilege of the Writ of Habeas Corpus shall not be suspended, unless when in Cases of Rebellion or Invasion the public Safety may require it.

Subchapter 7, section 7 of the new law states:

No court, justice, or judge shall have jurisdiction to hear or consider an application for a writ of habeas corpus filed by or on behalf of an alien detained by the United States who has been determined by the United States to have been properly detained as an enemy combatant or is awaiting such determination.

(2) Except as provided in paragraphs (2) and (3) of section 1005(e) of the Detainee Treatment Act of 2005 (10 U.S.C. 801 note), no court, justice, or judge shall have jurisdiction to hear or consider any other action against the United States or its agents relating to any aspect of the detention, transfer, treatment, trial, or conditions of confinement of an alien who is or was detained by the United States and has been determined by the United States to have been properly detained as an enemy combatant or is awaiting such determination.

b) Effective Date- The amendment made by subsection (a) shall take effect on the date of the enactment of this Act , and shall apply to all cases, without exception, pending on or after the date of the enactment of this Act which relate to any aspect of the detention, transfer, treatment, trial, or conditions of detention of an alien detained by the United States since September 11, 2001.

Crimes that are now triable by military commission:

Murder, attacking civilians, attacking civilian objects, attacking protected property, pillaging (theft), denying quarter, taking hostages, employing poisons (drug dealing), using protected persons as a shield, using protected property as a shield, torture, cruel or inhuman treatment, intentionally causing serious bodily injury, mutilating, destruction of property in violation of the law of war (vandalism), using treachery, improperly using a flag of truce, improperly using a distinctive emblem, mistreating a dead body, rape, sexual assault or abuse, hijacking a vessel or aircraft, providing material support for terrorism, wrongfully aiding the enemy, spying, conspiracy, perjury, obstruction of justice, and contempt.

Additional sections of interest regarding who is covered:

(26) WRONGFULLY AIDING THE ENEMY- Any person subject to this chapter who, in breach of an allegiance or duty to the United States, knowingly and intentionally aids an enemy of the United States, or one of the co-belligerents of the enemy, shall be punished as a military commission under this chapter may direct.

(b) Contempt- A military commission under this chapter may punish for contempt any person who uses any menacing word, sign, or gesture in its presence, or who disturbs its proceedings by any riot or disorder.

Habeas Corpus...Pre-9/11 Thinking

RIP Habeas Corpus
1215 AD-2006

When the Military Commissions Act of 2006 is signed, we will no longer be able to claim to wear the white hats. I am disgusted with and disappointed in our Congress and Senate, am ashamed for our country. and feel remorse toward the citizens of our planet.

Take a look at Keith Olbermann's point of view regarding the pending death of habeas corpus: