Military legislation endangers our rights

Please vote against the new authorization for the use of military force (AUMF) contained within the National Defense Authorization Act. Principles of American justice are being ignored — no reading of one’s rights, no indictment, no trial — just perpetual imprisonment because you might be an al-Qaida or Taliban associate.

Many thoughtful people find many knee-jerk responses to imagined threats inappropriate and excessive. Within the latest National Defense Authorization Act is one such very dangerous and thoughtless provision. Guilt by association or innuendo would be made the new standard of justice. Merely “believing” someone is associated with al-Qaida or the Taliban would be sufficient reason to imprison (“detain indefinitely”) anyone. And such decision would be in the hands of one person, the president of the United States. Imagine!

In the 21st century, you merely accuse someone of being a witch (terrorist) and they could be arrested, imprisoned without trial. A witch hunt would be validated by this legislation. Louis XIV would have approved.

I am concerned that this new authority was added to the National Defense Authorization Act in the dead of night during House Armed Services Committee markup. There was virtually no public debate. It was not considered by the Foreign Affairs Committee. It was added to the bill after Osama bin Laden’s death. Authorizing the use of military force is an important power of Congress, and it should be done in broad daylight after thoughtful consideration and a full explanation to the voters. Congress should exercise greater deliberation and be more transparent as it makes major decisions.

Please vote to remove this new authorization for the use of military force from the National Defense Authorization Act.

Herb Best

Streamwood