...I'm okay with being REALITY-based.




Wednesday, February 09, 2005
      ( 1:48 PM )
 
Above the Law

This administration will stop at no underhanded attempt to gain as much power as possible. Now we find out that the Bushies want their new Homeland Security Secretary and any contractors to be above all laws.

Among other provisions, the bill put forth by Rep. F. James Sensenbrenner would give the Homeland Security Secretary “the authority to waive… all laws such Secretary, in such Secretary’s sole discretion, determines necessary to ensure expeditious construction of the barriers and roads under this section.”

The bill also seeks to strip courts from being able to challenge any of the Secretary’s decisions.

“Notwithstanding any other provision of law… no court shall have jurisdiction,” the Republican bill asserts.

The immigration bill would allow Homeland Security to construct barriers along American borders and inside the United States. It would also give the Secretary the authority to ignore labor and environmental laws, as well as refuse compensation for property seized in the construction of such barriers.

The bill also denies immigrants habeas corpus rights and makes it harder for immigrants to achieve asylum. Senior aides in the House expect the bill to pass without significant amendments Thursday.

Democrats find these provisions troubling.

Troubling? Troubling? If the Dems don't get out in front of proposals like this and make a big, stinking deal about it, then they're not doing their jobs. This is disgusting, and I have no doubts that there are many more Republican bills like it up for consideration. Will they stop at nothing? The oligarchy continues its coup. Troubling.

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