President Obama Signs Bill Permitting Indefinite Military Detention Without Trial Of U.S. Citizens

[boxman15]

31. I'm going to try to express my opinion without getting flamed. OK:

On the provision itself:

It's truly atrocious and a disgrace to the Constitution. Whether or not it applies to Americans, the fact that it's even being talked about is bad enough. The language leaves WAY too much wiggle room for a future far-right batshit insane administration to do something like round up Americans and put them away indefinitely with no trial. It's encouraging the Obama administration will not use this provision, but it doesn't change the law itself. The Obama administration and, more importantly, the American people need to make sure that this provision is not in the 2013 NDAA by pressuring Congress (both parties are equally to blame, so tell your socialist cousin and your Tea Party uncle to call and write nonstop).

On President Obama signing it:

He really had no choice here. I know the "Obama is held hostage by Congress!!!" thing is overused, but it's true here. Had Obama not signed it, our troops would not be paid or properly protected for the beginning of the year. This is the defense budget for the entire year. Had he done that, he would be absolutely pounded by the right for not wanting to pay our troops, and would leave the door wide open for a GOP White House in 2012, meaning a conservative Supreme Court that would uphold that provision in case they wanted to use it (It has way more than enough support to override a veto).

It was smart to sign it and issue a signing statement. He's a long-term thinker, and this gives us at least a year to try to get this provision out and prevent a wingnut from using/abusing it.