How are we doing part II

The Bill of Rights Update.

Now with signing statements and illegal wire taps, we are in a constitutional crisis.

To whit:


Amendment I

Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances.

Comments:

We now have "protest zones" where anyone who disagrees with the administration is put behind a fence, away from the administration.

People in administration meetings (which should be free and open to the public) are removed for speaking their mind.

FOIA requests are being denied in record number.

DOJ cannot investigate the NSA spying because of a lack of security clearance?

Amendment IV

The right of the people to be secure in their persons, houses, papers, and effects, against unreasonable searches and seizures, shall not be violated, and no Warrants shall issue, but upon probable cause, supported by Oath or affirmation, and particularly describing the place to be searched, and the persons or things to be seized.

Comments:

NSA wire taps without a warrant, and the nominee to head the CIA says that the standard is reasonableness, not probable cause.

Phone call databases on Americans with no cause.

Amendment V

No person shall be held to answer for a capital, or otherwise infamous 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 in time of War or public danger; nor shall any person be subject for the same offence to be twice put in jeopardy of life or limb; nor shall be compelled in any criminal case to be a witness against himself, nor be deprived of life, liberty, or property, without due process of law; nor shall private property be taken for public use, without just compensation.

Comments: Unless you are an "enemy combatant" as determined by the administration.

Amendment VI

In all criminal prosecutions, the accused shall enjoy the right to a speedy and public trial, by an impartial jury of the State and district wherein the crime shall have been committed, 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 Assistance of Counsel for his defence.

Comments:

Well, the PATRIOT act has pretty much done away with the need for this amendment. We can now hold people indefinitely without telling them the charges, no access to legal counsel, and no ability to find witnesses for his defence.



We ARE HAVING A CONSTITUTIONAL CRISIS here folks. We went to war with Brittain over similar issues. Americans have died defending this document, yet for a little false safety we are willing to allow the government to take these rights away from us?