Clarity in This Hour of Crisis
Reed31463
There are less than 100 days before THE most important election in this country's history. (and this is a midterm election). We are entering a critical period before the election and I would like to share with everyone my perspective.
Preface and Intent.
Carefully read this over and reflect upon it for a few hours. Take all day or even pray if you wish. But then ask yourself, "How far are you willing to go when standing up and fighting for the Constitution and America?" Are you willing to protest; are you willing to bear arms; are you willing to hunger strike; are you willing to make speeches; are you willing to be civilly disobedient; are you willing to write letters; are you willing to be jailed indefinitely? Are you willing to die defending America's freedom?
I wrote this, not because I advocate violence, but because I want everyone to mentally prepare for what might happen. If things go beyond what you are willing to participate in, I want you to already know when you will reach that point. If sucking tear gas and being drug to the slammer is not your thing, please do not feel compelled or be ashamed. You made your choice for well thought out reasons and I respect your decision.
What I am trying to avoid is anyone getting surprised. Then in haste make an ill prepared decision and in regret saying to yourself, "I wish I hadn't done that, I had no idea things would get this crazy."
The Situation.
Both the Congressional and Executive republicans are guilty of war crimes. They hope to gain absolute power in a fascist coup. They already control the House, the Senate, and the Office of President along with all the subpoena power that entails. Congress refuses assert their Constitutional power and they are making excuses not to investigate Executive constitutional abuses of power. They are in effect, actively involved in the coup. What I mean is, "If given a choice, would you investigate and indict yourself for war crimes and treason?" If you did do an investigation, you most certainly would rig it so you were not held to account, right?
The committees are filled with illegal or unconstitutional legislation that grants the executive, powers to interpret laws, make exceptions that violate civil liberties, grants departments immunity from oversight, relieves responsibility from reporting & auditing requirements, allows abuses of freedoms, targets litigation, and usurps the powers of the other two.
Member of congress know or are aware of, the neocon agenda and can see the bills GOP congressmen have planned to pass. This agenda is confirmed by the events of which, we are seeing unfold right before us.
Currently, there are only a handful of Reps who have co-signed HR 635. By fully committing to this bill, they are in effect choosing sides: the Constitution and the rule of law. Others not aligned with BushCo refuse to commit to protecting the Constitution. Either they fear retribution or they are pasting their hopes that no one notices them falling into line on one side of the fence or the other. Which side they fall will depend upon which side prevails in the upcoming the election. Some have even covertly co-signed fascist repug legislation, slipping their name on it quietly and hoping no one will notice. (ie John Kerry-- Line item veto bill).
Those who made a pact with BushCo and are responsible for war crimes are caught and desperate. Because of the serious nature and consequences, they know that getting indicted for supporting and facilitating war crimes may lead to execution. It is then reasonable to assume that they are also aware of this and truly are fully committed to this coup. If you didn't know it before, know it now: they will not capitulate until indicted and arrested.
On the other hand, those that want to protect the Constitution have only one course of action. Help the Democrats win back a majority. In order to even begin the accountability process, the Democrats must gain a majority in the house to gain supoena power. If they fail, it appears there will not be enough democracy left in this country to remain a republic after the next two years.
Here's whats at stake.
As Nov 7th draws nearer, the polling numbers will start to indicate with more and more certainty the outcome of the election; the greater the chances are that Democrats will win a majority in one or both houses of congress, the greater the chances are that the war criminals will be investigated and indicted. This in turn will translate to a greater chance that those currently in control will manufacture a triggering event. One that will suspend elections and allow this administration to invoke continuity of government procedures.
We are entering a period of great cusp, where the interactions of a billion separate intertwined forces and events will determine the probable course that America will take. Possibly for the next few decades and/or centuries ahead. Three months are all that remain to affect the fulfillment and outcome of these events.
If the Republicans win the election and the 110th Congress refuses to assert their power, the path to imperialist global fascism is almost assured. There will be no real avenue available to turn back the losses of liberty without assistance from outside the US.
If Democrats win, the road to accountability will remain open and preserving the Constitution will remain a viable option. The main cast of usurpers will almost assuredly be investigated. However, unlike a Republican victory where the means to restoring liberty will be nearly impossible, a Democratic victory will see paths that are more easily turned and reshaped. With our country weakened and debt laden, a new main cast of usurpers may easily be inserted into the finance and monetary structure still in situ, and again attempt to gain control.
Reflect and Choose.
The Downing Street Minutes jump started this movement, and IMHO without it, we would have never known what hit us. Nevertheless, the stage is set and the stakes are very high for both sides. When you have had time to reflect on the gravity of our dilemma, strap yourself in and prepare for overload. They are going to throw an overwhelming amount of chaos, chaotic information, and influence events around the world that further their agenda and distract from our main objective: [a] holding those responsible to account and; [b] electing a majority in order to hold those responsible to account.
With the extent of damage the Republicans have done to this country and their steadfast "blood pact" commitment to rebel against, ignore, and rewrite and the constitution: Democrats and Americans face an uphill battle to preserve the Constitution. There are many paths leading to despotism and few paths that lead to full accountability, restoration of civil liberties, and leadership & respect among other nations. At this point going forward, we really have no other options. The pitfalls are many, but given the choice to fight for Liberty or consent to Fascism: I choose Liberty and the Constitution.
Comment # 1 ~ Rusty ~ 07/30/2006 21:07 GMT Great analysis, Reed. The next few weeks may well determine the entire future course of human history. America's progressives must do whatever it takes to ensure that humanity's future is one of freedom and hope, not endless tyranny and fear.
Comment # 2 ~ feline ~ 07/31/2006 03:23 GMT Electing a congressional majority who will adhere to the Constitution, who will exercise oversight and accountability of those in the administration who have not upheld their oath to the Constitution; this is our right and responsibility as citizens of the United States and the world community. I will make my choices based on that priority over the next several weeks, as we work together to restore our Democracy.
Thank you for articulating your points so sincerely, Reed.
Comment # 3 ~ Reed31463 ~ 07/31/2006 05:44 GMT Update on topic, this is cross posted at Comment #25 & #30. It explores evidence that indicate what types of tactics we may expect to see leading up to the November election.
"those currently in control will manufacture a triggering event. One that will .....allow this administration to invoke continuity of government procedures."
House Leadership Invokes "Martial Law," Forcing Members to Vote WASHINGTON - July 28 - Statement by Robert Greenstein, Executive Director, Center on Budget and Policy Priorities
The House Republican Leadership has announced its intention to have the House vote, before adjourning on Friday or Saturday, on several major pieces of legislation that are not yet available to House members in final form because behind-closed-door negotiations on the proposals are still going on. The Leadership apparently intends to use a process known as “martial law” to allow these bills to be brought to the floor very shortly after negotiations are completed, with the result that Members of the House are likely to have virtually no time to examine and consider the details of the legislation before they will be required to vote on it.
Among the matters the House may be asked to vote on under martial law are a major conference report on pension legislation, a costly bill that would permanently reduce the estate tax and extend certain expiring tax provisions, and a bill that would combine a controversial health insurance proposal with an increase in the minimum wage. The House Rules Committee on Thursday afternoon reported a resolution that would provide martial law authority in relation to all of these bills. IMO this is not just a dirty trick to pass lousy legislation. From a tactical point of view, it is a training iteration for the Rules Committee members and their staffs on how to go about coordinating and executing this "martial law" procedure. I suspect that some "observers" were actually evaluating the execution of this trial run. The observations will provide the GOP with insights on how to improve upon the process and what they may expect from Democratic opposition.
Additionally, it forms a basis (or a baseline) to study the reactions of the Democratic leadership and will enable the GOP to draft and employ measures that will interdict or prevent possible opposition.
From a strategic point of view, this action will breed familiarity amongst the opposition. Familiarity with the process will lower the natural resistance to change that everyone possesses and make a second and a third time progressively easier.
Comment # 4 ~ Reed31463 ~ 07/31/2006 06:09 GMT Update on topic, this is cross posted at Comment #25 & #30. It explores evidence that indicate what types of tactics we may expect to see leading up to the November election.
"those currently in control will manufacture a triggering event. One that will .....allow this administration to invoke continuity of government procedures."
House Leadership Invokes "Martial Law," Forcing Members to Vote WASHINGTON - July 28 - Statement by Robert Greenstein, Executive Director, Center on Budget and Policy Priorities
The House Republican Leadership has announced its intention to have the House vote, before adjourning on Friday or Saturday, on several major pieces of legislation that are not yet available to House members in final form because behind-closed-door negotiations on the proposals are still going on. The Leadership apparently intends to use a process known as “martial law” to allow these bills to be brought to the floor very shortly after negotiations are completed, with the result that Members of the House are likely to have virtually no time to examine and consider the details of the legislation before they will be required to vote on it.
Among the matters the House may be asked to vote on under martial law are a major conference report on pension legislation, a costly bill that would permanently reduce the estate tax and extend certain expiring tax provisions, and a bill that would combine a controversial health insurance proposal with an increase in the minimum wage. The House Rules Committee on Thursday afternoon reported a resolution that would provide martial law authority in relation to all of these bills. IMO this is not just a dirty trick to pass lousy legislation. From a tactical point of view, it is a training iteration for the Rules Committee members and their staffs on how to go about coordinating and executing this "martial law" procedure. I suspect that some "observers" were actually evaluating the execution of this trial run. The observations will provide the GOP with insights on how to improve upon the process and what they may expect from Democratic opposition.
Additionally, it forms a basis (or a baseline) to study the reactions of the Democratic leadership and will enable the GOP to draft and employ measures that will interdict or prevent possible opposition.
From a strategic point of view, this action will breed familiarity amongst the opposition. Familiarity with the process will lower the natural resistance to change that everyone possesses and make a second and a third time progressively easier.
Comment # 5 ~ tahoebasha1 ~ 07/31/2006 12:17 GMT Reed, you couldn't have expressed more aptly than you have all the possible "binds" that may incidiously wind their way into the system between now and November and thereafter. We must be prepared for any and/or all of these eventualities. Better for all to be forewarned. Given the scenario that may well come to pass if the Democrats do not take back the House, we will have only one option available to us to preserve our Constitution to take or not to take -- my decision was made a long time ago.
You've done an excellent job in portraying the realities before us.
Comment # 6 ~ feline ~ 07/31/2006 15:16 GMT This comment crossposted at Comment #33
If certain members of Congress are, in fact, using "martial law" rule to circumvent House procedures rules, they are simply full of it. Pushing through a bill without allowing a period of examination before a vote has nothing to do with suspension of Habeas corpus or martial law! It's a political coup, and it's in violation of House rules! This seems to me tantamount to Congressional mutiny.
This is something that needs to be taken very seriously. Hopefully these members of Congress who are consciously violating the House Rules will be held accountable by their fellow members, or more specifically, the Courts.
Comment # 7 ~ feline ~ 07/31/2006 15:25 GMT Congress has to offically pass legislation enacting Martial law, according to the U.S. Constitution or more specifically, they have to pass a bill that suspends Habeas corpus, and that enactment must be consistent with the stipulation that civil authority (such as the Supreme Court) has been disabled; and only in a specific region where the military must initiate authority; the legislation enacting Martial law is then vulnerable to the scrutiny of the Court.
That's how it's done, or supposed to be done.
This violation of House Rules by certain members of Congress cannot be justified through "martial law"; they are full of it.
Comment # 8 ~ unspun ~ 07/31/2006 15:32 GMT Reed, thank you for your post. I agree that, given the Republicans’ demonstrated past performance—they will do almost anything to hold onto their power. They will implement the use of Diebold vote flipping machines. They will use lies, smears and all kinds of dirty tricks to defeat any opponents. They will continue to provoke fear and bigotry to keep their voters loyal. So, yes, martial law is in the realm of possibility.
I would think back to the founders of our country who, though they were human beings with all their human frailties--they were, for the most part, wise people with the blessing of common sense as well. They didn’t rush off individually to stand in the front of musket-toting redcoats. They didn’t put themselves in the position of being thrown into prisons, where their voices would go unheard and their ability to work for change would be neutralized. They sought out the counsel of other wise and skilled men. They combined resources and stood up for their principles and their liberties in a measured, organized and effective fashion.
Thank you again for your post Reed; it has started my soul-searching journey.
Comment # 9 ~ Rusty ~ 07/31/2006 16:26 GMT These RePugs certainly know how to wage psychological, economic, judicial, electoral, and class warfare. But they are incapable of governing and incapable of telling the truth. Martial law and outrages far worse than that are on their agenda. But we have People Power, the Netroots, and the Truth. If they think martial law can save them, they are in for a rude awakening.
Comment # 10 ~ Alma ~ 07/31/2006 17:01 GMT I agree with all of the above comments, but especially with Rustys last post. We the People will win. We have the power and the resources to do so.
Comment # 11 ~ Rusty ~ 07/31/2006 19:56 GMT We also have Cat Power, in more than one way.
Comment # 12 ~ Rusty ~ 08/10/2006 02:09 GMT Just a reminder, Reed, this should be a Kos Diary.
Comment # 13 ~ Rusty ~ 08/15/2006 05:33 GMT Kos Diary! Kos Diary! Kos Diary!
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