The Tea Party convention has affected me. Go watch this video at CNN.com’s web site. Take your time.
Back? Now let’s pass a law that lets the President of the United States simply point his finger at anyone and say “Enemy Combatant”. With that one pronouncement the government can grab anyone and do anything to that person. No rights, no trial, just “the President says so”.
This really is not a crazy idea since it’s already happened in this country. The lady in the video (the one with the crib notes on her hand) is playing a popular but dangerous game.
The idea is that we can brush aside the laws of this country, when it is those laws that make this country great. This thing, our constitution, this does not happen in other countries. It can take years, but here in the United States that one person can stand up to the government and get redress. It’s doable if you are strong enough and want it enough. It doesn’t always work out but the opportunity exists.
We have rights and they are defined by our constitution, our Bill of Rights, and our amendments. This is an amazing thing and for anyone to say someone here does not have the benefit of our laws is a sign of weakness. It’s cowardice.
What these great patriots just don’t want to admit is this: someone dying is the worse thing that can happen to that person and his family. Someone getting maimed or crippled, or violently losing a loved one, that is a devastating and horrible thing. I pray and hope it never happens to me and mine.
But it’s not the worst thing that can happen to a country. We can be safe and secure without sacrificing the principles that Americans have fought and died for. It’s not easy, but Americans can do anything when they are strong enough.
