House blocks bill that would bar the indefinite detention of American citizens

[Catherina]

Indefinite Detention Of Americans Survives House Vote

Posted: 06/13/2013 6:22 pm EDT | Updated: 06/13/2013 6:59 pm EDT

WASHINGTON -- The U.S. House of Representatives voted again Thursday to allow the indefinite military detention of Americans, blocking an amendment that would have barred the possibility.

Congress wrote that authority into law in the National Defense Authorization Act two years ago, prompting outrage from civil libertarians on the left and right. President Barack Obama signed the measure, but insisted his administration would never use it.

Supporters of detention argue that the nation needs to be able to arrest and jail suspected terrorists without trial, including Americans on U.S. soil, for as long as there is a war on terror. Their argument won, and the measure was defeated by a vote of 200 to 226.

...

Smith's amendment, which also had Republican sponsors including Reps. Chris Gibson (N.Y.) and Justin Amash (Mich.), would guarantee that anyone arrested in the United States gets a trial.

...

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/06/13/indefinite-detention-americans_n_3437923.html


"The notion that the United States should conduct itself according to the Constitution and the law of war should not be controversial" - Rep. Jerry Nadler (D-N.Y.).

[usGovOwesUs3Trillion]

1. YIKES

Don't know about the rest of y'all but this scares me a lot more than the terrorist do.

[Apophis]

2. I think it's time to not vote for the D's who keep voting for this shit.

[Skidmore]

3. I keep saying that we need to change the Congress.

And people keep sneering at me. Congress has much to answer for.

[Catherina]

8. First we need all their NSA files so we can choose who to indefinitely detain

It would only be right. After all, they work for us.

[premium]

4. And we're supposed to trust the govt. about the NSA not spying on Americans?

I don't fucking think so.
This is blatantly unconstitutional.

[magellan]

5. "The notion that the United States should conduct itself according to the Constitution..."

Only when convenient.

To be perfectly honest, a bill blocking the indefinite detention of American citizens shouldn't be fucking necessary -- but it's a waste of time. If they don't let a little thing like the Constitution stop them abrogating rights and breaking the law, what in the world makes anyone think specific legislation would?

[Savannahmann]

6. OK, someone tell me again how we have nothing to worry about.

Because frankly, this feels like enough bullshit to fertilize half of Kansas right about now.

[JaneyVee]

7. Anyone have a roll call?