National Defense Authorization Act: Terrifying Provision That Can Detain Americans Indefinitely

National Defense Authorization Act: Terrifying Provision That Can Detain Americans Indefinitely
If you only read one thing today, let it be this article. Something scary is brewing. It’s not a conspiracy theory. It’s not a paranoid rumor. It’s actually happening.

The Senate voted yesterday to keep a controversial measure as part of theNational Defense Authorization Actwhich would allow the military to detain terrorism suspects on U.S. soil and hold them indefinitely without trial. This would apply to anyone,including U.S. citizens.

What does this mean? Well, in the words ofDavid SeamanatBusiness Insider:

By the end of this week, the US government very likely will have the power to lock up US citizens for life at Guantanamo Bay or other military prisons — without charge and without trial. This means that, in the near future, a controversial Twitter post, attending a peaceful protest, or publishing an anti-Congress critique or anti-TSA rant on Google+ could land you “indefinite detention” for life, in the wording of the bill. No access to a lawyer, no access to trial.

This would affect American citizens on American soil. An effort to amend the bill and remove the provision targeting Americans has already failed.

This measure, part of the National Defense Authorization Act (fiscal year 2012),has the backing of some pretty powerful politicians, including Sen.John McCainand Sen.Carl Levin.

“I’m very, very, concerned about having U.S. citizens sent to Guantanamo Bay for indefinite detention,” said Sen.Rand Paul, one of the biggest opponents of the measure.

Under the measure, a person suspected of being a terrorist would get just one hearing where the military could assert that the person is a suspected terrorist. Then, that person could be locked up for life.

So what could make you a terrorist under this provision? Having more than 7 days of food in your house could make you a terrorist. Missing fingers on one of your hands could make you a terrorist. Having ammunition in your home could make you a terrorist.

“It’s not enough just to be alleged to be a terrorist,” Paul said, echoing the sentiments of theAmerican Civil Liberties Union. “That’s part of what due process is — deciding, are you a terrorist? I think it’s important that we not allow U.S. citizens to be taken.”

Democrats are already comparing the military policing of American citizens to the detention of Americans in internment camps duringWorld War II.

“Congress is essentially authorizing the indefinite imprisonment of American citizens, without charge,” said Sen.Dianne Feinstein. “We are not a nation that locks up its citizens without charge.”

Even high-level law enforcement officials like FBI DirectorRobert Muellerare said to be opposed to this measure, as it would limit the FBI’s ability to legitimately investigate those who actually are engaged in real terrorist activities here in the U.S.

Make no mistake…PresidentBarack Obamaneeds to veto this provision. Otherwise, Big Brother is here to stay.

Contact your Congresspersontoday and tell them tooppose this measure.

Hear more from Sen. Rand Paul below.

National Defense Authorization Act - Tyranny Vs. Liberty