In the latest National Defense Authorization Act, Congress is trying to give the U.S. military power to imprison Americans indefinitely, without charges or respect for habeas corpus, if it is claimed they are terrorists. Any member who supports that provision is grossly violating his or her oath to uphold the Constitution. If our government thinks you are a terrorist, present charges and evidence to a judge. There should be no authority to lock people up without judicial review. That is the kind of power held by tyrants in totalitarian regimes. It has no place in the U.S. It is ironic that this activity in Congress is taking place in the same period when the Secretary of State visits Myanmar, a country that is finally getting rid of the very same type of government powers.
Ralph C. Edwards
Vancouver
