This admin has usurped immense power. Government has known and unknown means of wielding it against the citizenry.
Why hasn't anyone nominated this for post o' the month? I, of course cannot make such a nomination, because my attempts are taken as dry humor.
Buz, your zeal and love for this country knows no bounds.
In this case, said usurping consisted of attempting to discourage Congress from attaching the NDAA to legislation, not vetoing the bill on his desk, and adding signing statements that attempt to prevent NDAA from applying to US citizens.
From the president's signing statement:
quote:
Section 1021 affirms the executive branch’s authority to detain persons covered by the 2001 Authorization for Use of Military Force (AUMF) (Public Law 107-40; 50 U.S.C. 1541 note). This section breaks no new ground and is unnecessary. The authority it describes was included in the 2001 AUMF, as recognized by the Supreme Court and confirmed through lower court decisions since then. Two critical limitations in section 1021 confirm that it solely codifies established authorities. First, under section 1021(d), the bill does not limit or expand the authority of the President or the scope of the Authorization for Use of Military Force. Second, under section 1021(e), the bill may not be construed to affect any existing law or authorities relating to the detention of United States citizens, lawful resident aliens of the United States, or any other persons who are captured or arrested in the United States. My Administration strongly supported the inclusion of these limitations in order to make clear beyond doubt that the legislation does nothing more than confirm authorities that the Federal courts have recognized as lawful under the 2001 AUMF. Moreover, I want to clarify that my Administration will not authorize the indefinite military detention without trial of American citizens. Indeed, I believe that doing so would break with our most important traditions and values as a Nation. My Administration will interpret section 1021 in a manner that ensures that any detention it authorizes complies with the Constitution, the laws of war, and all other applicable law.
But don't let any of that reality mediate your melanin hatin', paranoid rants in any way. 'Cause your unending defense of democracy helps keep America free.
Of course I cannot give you sole credit. The OP also emphasizes the president's signing over the action by Congress.
Under a government which imprisons any unjustly, the true place for a just man is also in prison. Thoreau: Civil Disobedience (1846)
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