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Letter: Our freedoms are being dismantled

The Columbian
Published: January 8, 2012, 12:00am

Please note that members of the following congressional delegation from Washington state violated their oath of office by not protecting and defending the U.S. Constitution in voting for the National Defense Authorization Act, which explicitly authorized the indefinite detention of terrorism suspects, including U.S. citizens (without due process). The government can imprison anyone suspected of or even associated with terrorism. The power is wide open to interpretation and could certainly be abused. “Aye” votes: Democrat representatives Jay Inslee, Rick Larsen, Norman Dicks and Adam Smith; Republican representatives Jaime Herrera Beutler, Doc Hastings, Cathy McMorris Rodgers, and Dave Reichert. The only “no” vote came from Democrat James McDermott. Thank you, Congressman McDermott.

Individuals in Montana have begun recall petitions on their elected delegation who voted yes on this legislation. The Washington State Constitution does allow recall elections when the elected officer has violated his oath of office. It is apparent that our elected officials (president included) have lost sight of their oath to uphold the Constitution, and their action on this legislation is unconscionable.

As history has demonstrated, power corrupts, and this law can and will be abused. As citizens, we must stand up for our rights. President Obama’s signature on the law is binding, although its constitutionality is in serious question.

Barbara Houser

Camas

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