An Absolutely Disgraceful, Disgusting American

Nealz Nuze ^ | 6-18-02 | Neal Boortz

[John H K]

If you want to treat him unconstitutionally because you don't like his crime, I have a problem with that.

Cmon, we all know it's not that people don't like his crime (err, actually, the crime he's accused of planning, not that he actually did) it's that he's Hispanic, and more importantly, Muslim.

If 6 months after OKC Clinton had arrested some trailer-trash white guy named Billy Bob for planning a dirty bomb attack on DC, and done the same stuff to him as has been done to Padilla, people would have gone absolutely bonkers, including the people who think anyone even with the slightest CONCERN about how Padilla is currently being handled is some sort of traitor.

[Teacher317]

If giving up my rights prevents one death, one tragedy or one more Sept. 11, it is a price I will gladly pay.

Her programming has worked wonderfully... the "if it saves one life" mantra strikes again. She obviously answers Patrick Henry ("Is life so dear... as to be purchased at the price of chains and slavery?") in the affirmative. I'm glad the WWII eneration wasn't this naive.

[Japedo]

The fifth amendment clearly states that due process does not apply in Military matters.

EVERY CRIME can be construed as a "military matter" in a police state. Forget even Crime, Its now Pre-Crime,Incase you MIGHT be a criminal. Be VERY careful what you wish for!

[1Old Pro]

Interesting. I thought it was goint to be about Bill Clintoon.

[Illbay]

Padillas is a US citizen. In that regard he is equal to both of us.

First of all, are you aware that the constitution ITSELF allows the Executive to suspend habeas corpus in time of national emergency?

Are you one of those who, like the Democrats and most of the media, have gone back to sleep after we "won" in Afghanistan?

What's it going to take for you to understand what we're facing here?

Another attack? I believe one is coming, so why don't you just hold you ire for a couple of months more. Then, if something or someone gets blown up--I hope it isn't you or someone close to you--maybe you can begin to catch a glimpse.

If this generation had been in World War II we'd all be speaking German.

[Illbay]

You have GOT to be joking! What was the reaction of the public to the crushing of the militia movement, the Freemen in Montana, etc., in the wake of OKC? ANSWER: Full and total support.

Yes, I KNOW you'd love to believe that our racist, sexist, bigotted and homophobic society is to blame for all its ills, no matter from whence they come, but the truth is the VAST majority of people know the REAL enemy is NOT our government, but those who want to destroy us from WITHOUT. And the best fifth-column that these people have are people like you.

[CougarGA7]

I don't follow. I don't see how a general mugging would qualify as a "military matter". Padilla was conspiring to attack the United States with a WMD. That does qualify as a military matter.

[NittanyLion]

First of all, are you aware that the constitution ITSELF allows the Executive to suspend habeas corpus in time of national emergency?

In what figures to be a permanent state of "heightened alert", are you in favor of suspension of civil liberties?

[Mr. Jeeves]

The history of this nation in wartime is that we give up certain MINOR freedoms temporarily in order to sustain the conflict and thwart our enemies.

We were governed by better people then - Representatives who had real educations, who understood history and what the Constitution meant, and how rare and priceless Amrerica's freedoms were. Of course such men returned things to "normal" once the war had ended.

The story is different today. Once our Democratic Socialist legislature gets their hands on "emergency powers", they will never, ever give them up.

Caution is called for. The Patriot Act was passed much too quickly, and it will have ramifications down the road that we have not yet forseen.

[NittanyLion]

Boortz makes some good points now & then, but let's not forget he's a libertarian and not a conservative. There are some things he advocates that are just dopey and weird!!!

Would you characterize this column as "good points" or "dopey and weird"?

[Illbay]

Okay, so vote these guys out of office and vote for Hillary! or Tom Daschle. They'll make things right for you like Democrats ALWAYS try to do. Take the civl war era, for instance. Until the taking of Atlanta, Lincoln was a shoe-in for defeat because "everyone knew" the people were gonna vote for the Dems who would then turn around and "negotiate peace" with the rebels.

The voters spoke differently, though, which put the kabosh on all the same sort of sentiments you're expressing.

We are going to have to live with "less liberty" for awhile--whatever that means. Personally, none of this stuff is affecting me, and it won't affect any of YOU either. You just can't get out of the habit of bashing the government over everything--even when it's doing the job it's constitutionally SUPPOSED to be doing.

[steve-b]

First of all, are you aware that the constitution ITSELF allows the Executive to suspend habeas corpus in time of national emergency?

Wake me up when Bush decides to take that decision -- and take responsibility for it. At that time, this statement will become relevant.

[Japedo]

I don't follow. I don't see how a general mugging would qualify as a "military matter". Padilla was conspiring to attack the United States with a WMD. That does qualify as a military matter

Hmmmm Really? are you Sure about that? Is Padilla enlisted in the Military? He IS a US Citizen is he not? Why have they not even arrested him or charged him with so much as JAY walking? Why are they holding him indefinitely? You have full confidence that Padilla is Guilty of something based on what,? Headlines? Story's? ASSUMPTIONS? It is a Scary day in American when the Government just has to release a broad based statement have NO proof to back it up and totally ignore the constitution. It is a POLICE state, They can do that to one they will do it to whom ever they wish, for what ever "Propaganda" they choose to release. (i.e. what ever reason)

[Sloth]

As far as I'm concerned as soon as anyone, citizen or not, takes up arms or plots with terrorists against this country - they lose any "civil" rights they have as a citizen.

Conveniently, one of those is rights is having guilt proven in court, so I guess I can say that you are a terrorist and then you won't complain when they lock you up without due process?

[Moby Grape]

Well said (your post #32)...The problem with these guys is the OVERKILL Chicken Little Sky is Falling rants...It is reasonable to express concerns, it is NOT reasonable to suggest we are living in a police state.

[southern rock]

This is a new world we are now living in since 9-11.

Please describe how the world became "new" after Sept. 11. Yes, I am well aware of the terrorist attacks that occoured on that day, but how did that change the constitution? Our system of government? The laws of due process? Our entire history?

Saying that 9/11 created a "new world" is like saying the constitution is a "living document". Well, one single event does not scrap everything.

[CougarGA7]

First of all, I don't think they would have apprehended him if they did not have anything showing that he was involved in a plot against the United States. Do I wish they would release what they have? Yes I do. Second, Padilla does not have to be enlisted in a military unit to fall under the category of "combatant", so that is irrelevant. And as far as holding him indefinitely, that falls under Article I, Section 9, Clause 2 of the U.S. Constitution.

[southern rock]

What was the reaction of the public to the crushing of the militia movement, the Freemen in Montana, etc., in the wake of OKC? ANSWER: Full and total support.

Yep. that's part of the problem.

[Japedo]

Padillas is a US citizen. In that regard he is equal to both of us.

Joe, AMEN

Illbay, Which part of the constituion do you NOT agree with?

Article III, Section 2, Clause 1: The Judicial Power shall extend to ALL (emphasis mine) Cases, in Law and Equity, arising under this Constitution, the Laws of the United States, and Treaties made, or which shall be made, under their Auhtoirty;--to ALL (emphasis mine) Cases affecting Ambassadors, other public Ministers and Consules;--to ALL (emphasis mine) Cases of admiralty (MILITARY) and maritime Jurisdiction;

Article III, Section 2, Caluse 3: The Trial of ALL (EMPHASIS MINE) Crimes, except in Cases of Impeachment (this means impeachment and only impeachment is excluded); shall be by Jury; and such Trial shall be held in the State where the said Crimes shall have been committed; but when not committed within any State, the Trial shall be at such Place or Places as the CONGRESS (emphasis mine) may by Law have directed.

Article VI of the Bill of Rights: In all Criminal prosecutions, the accused shall enjoy the right to a SPEEDY (emphasis mine) and PUBLIC (emphasis mine) trial, by an impartial jury of the State and district wherein the crime shall have been committted; which district shall have been previously ascertained by law, and to be informed of the nature and cause of the accusation; to be confronted with the witnesses against him; to have compulsory process for obtaining witnesses in his favor, and to have the assitance of counsel for defence.

Article V of the Bill of Rights: No person shall be held to answer for a capital, or otherwise INFAMOUS (empahsis mine) crime, unless on a presentment or indictment of a Grand Jury, except in cases arising in the land or naval forces, or in the Militia, WHEN IN ACTUAL SERVICE (emphasis mine) in time of War or Public danger;....nor shall be compelled in any criminal case to be a witness against himself, nor be deprived of live, liberty, or property, without DUE PROCESS OF LAW (emphasis mine);

I'm all ears....