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Have not been doing much reading news wise of late with just about every minute awake whether home or here at the day job doing pay the rent work. But a couple of things the past few days I just have to comment on.

Bush Given Power to Deploy US Troops Domestically & Declare Martial Law
In news from Capitol Hill, Congress is coming under criticism for approving a little noticed provision last year that makes it easier for President Bush to declare martial law and to send US troops into American cities. At the administration's request, Congress approved the changes to a law known as the Insurrection Act without ever holding a public hearing. Under the new law, the president now has the authority to use both active-duty armed forces and the National Guard on American soil -- not just during a rebellion -- but also a natural disaster, terrorist attack, pandemic or other chaotic situation. All 50 of the nation's governors have opposed the rule changes. Earlier this month Senators Patrick Leahy, the chair of the Judiciary Committee, and Republican Christopher Bond introduced legislation to repeal the changes Congress approved last year.
Democracy NOW!
Some times you have to wonder if Congress even pays attention. I love how rebellion is used in what could give them to power to do these things. Wonder if people in high places are hearing home grown war drums beating.

Court Upholds Denying Court-Access to Gitmo Prisoners
Back in the United States, a federal appeals court has sided with the Bush administration’s policy Guantanamo prisoners cannot challenge their indefinite detention in US courts. The two to one decision upholds the Military Commission Act passed last year. Lawyers for Guantanamo prisoners are promising to take the case before the Supreme Court which has twice now ruled in their favor.
Democracy NOW!
Everyone I talk to seems to say, well this decision is based on the fact that they are only holding prisoners from combat there. Well, that has already been proven wrong and how many unheard voices are still there. How many totured souls who are citizens of this country or others sit in places like Gitmo and others around the world without anyone to speak for them? I don't even care if they were captured off the battlefield everyone deserves a chance to defend themselves in combat and court.

65th Anniversary of Japanese Internment Camps Marked
And Monday marked the 65th anniversary of President Franklin Delano Roosevelt's signing of Executive Order 9066. The order forced 120,000 Japanese American citizens and legal residents into internment camps during World War II solely because they were of Japanese descent.
Democracy NOW!
Look at the person behind you as you work. Look at the lady waiting on you while you buy the new CD of your favorite musical group. Now look at your family. Your friends. Your loved ones. Look in the mirror and ask yourself, ask yourself an honest question deep down for who is next? The air is alive with destiny coming. This will happen again as long as so many people in this country are blind to wasteful chants of freedom and democracy. Wasn't that long ago. Not that many years ago.

C.

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