Unalienable Rights

From the Declaration of Independence we get …

“We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty, and the pursuit of Happiness.  That to secure these rights, Governments are instituted among Men, deriving their powere from the consent of the governed, … “

 

Now for the … The Bill of Rights … (in brief)

1. Freedom of Speech, Press, Religion, and Petition 

(superseded by the NDAA 12/31/12)

2. The right of the people to keep and bear arms. 

(superseded by the NDAA 12/31/12)

3. Conditions for the quartering of soldiers. 

(superseded by the NDAA 12/31/12)

4. The right against unreasonable search and seizure. 

(superseded by the NDAA 12/31/12)

5. Provisions concerning prosecution including indictments and freedom from double jeopardy.

(superseded by the NDAA 12/31/12)

6. The Right to a speedy trial, an impartial jury, and to confront witnesses. 

(superseded by the NDAA 12/31/12)

7. The right to a trial by jury.

(superseded by the NDAA 12/31/12)

8. Freedom from excessive bail, and excessive or cruel punishment. 

(superseded by the NDAA 12/31/12)

9. Enumeration of these rights does not deny other God given rights.

(superseded by the NDAA 12/31/12)

10. Rights of the states, powers not granted to the government belong to the states. 

(superseded by the NDAA 12/31/12)

 

Now for …  H.R. 1540: National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2012 (NDAA)

see https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/National_Defense_Authorization_Act_for_Fiscal_Year_2012

The NDAA was signed into law by our president on December 31, 2011.

 

Here it is in a nutshell … in the event of a national emergency ... either real or imagined … the president, at his own whim, can effectively take over the government with powers that could only be described as dictatorial.  Now I know what you’re thinking … the Declaration of Independence also says (continued from quote above) … That whenever any Form of Government becomes destructive of these ends, it is the right of the people to alter or abolish it, and to institute new government …”!   Well, here we have a problem.  If the president declares “said” emergency he also legally abolishes Congress for a minimum of 6 months.  So there would/could be no one to stop him (or her) and no structure within which to petition the government for redress of grievances.

 

I never agreed to give up my unalienable rights … did you?  I never agreed to grant dictatorial powers to the president and I don’t believe anyone, including congress, has the power to grant such powers either.

 

Am I the only one who thinks this is a problem?

 

Oops, I almost forgot … check your watch … is it time to wake up yet?