Latest from the U.S. President

[helwen]

fosveny posted this to his LJ:
http://www.whitehouse.gov/news/releases/2007/07/20070717-3.html
And makes the comment of So much for the 5th Amendment.

I'm not sure I quite understand everything that's written in this executive order, but it sounds like it could be used against any group in the U.S. that doesn't agree with him on the Iraq war, because in theory by their action of opposition, they could be accused of hindering "his" efforts over there.

Anyone here understand legalese?

I do find it interesting that this order comes out at a time when not only is the war becoming more and more unpopular in general, but when MoveOn.org, PFAW, and other organizations are mounting major campaigns to end the war. Just this past Tuesday the Republicans blocked a vote on ending the war. They no longer have the numbers to simply vote it down.

[Mind you, just saying you're ending a military presence doesn't mean it can happen all that quickly or easily. fitzw was telling me the other day about how they have to powerwash every vehicle and piece of equipment before it can leave, because they have to make sure no pests are brought back with the equipment (which can be a serious concern for our native environment). And of course troops have to be protected as they depart, which is also not an easy thing to do.]

Comments

[harpnfiddle.livejournal.com]

My son Ben sent me the same thing earlier today. My comment was "Big Brother"

[lady-jade-01.livejournal.com]

I don't think this is aimed at those who oppose the war, but those who support al-quida (sp?) *hey, I haven't had any coffee yet so my dictionary is a little off*

Any other opinions on this are mine and mine alone.

*wisely shutting up*

[helwen.livejournal.com]

Oh, sure, it would obviously apply to those sorts of people.

And yet, this admin has a record of using whatever they have to do multiple things. There are times when the stuff going on reminds me of when we were studying McCarthyism in school...

[beard5.livejournal.com]

The part that jumped out at me was this
to take additional steps with respect to the national emergency declared in Executive Order 13303 of May 22, 2003, and expanded in Executive Order 13315 of August 28, 2003, and relied upon for additional steps taken in Executive Order 13350 of July 29, 2004, and Executive Order 13364 of November 29, 2004. I hereby order:
I might be needing to readjust my tin-foil a bit, but "National Emergency"? What other powers does that give him?