Sunday, January 29, 2012
The National Defense Authorization Act has already been passed and signed into law, but one particular section is still getting a lot of attention, and rightly so.
Portions of the NDAA authorize indefinite detention of suspected terrorists. The bill includes vague language that is so flexible in nature that it could be used to intern individuals who are part of movements who have some goals similar to violent terrorist organizations but who use peaceful means in order to bring about political change (Amnesty International, Jan. 5).
The bill also stipulates that individuals held at Guantanamo Bay who are exonerated must be kept in custody if there is any case of detainee recidivism in the exonerated detainee’s country, which essentially holds each individual responsible forth exactions of another citizen of his or her country (Congressional Research Service, Jan. 11).
There are no geographical limitations that prevent people from being detained far from the battlegrounds of war, which also provides possibilities for abuse.
President Obama signed the bill into law with “serious reservations.” He had the opportunity to take a firm stance supporting human rights and veto the NDAA despite the fact that it would be overridden; but because of political pressure and the recent lack of cooperation from across the aisles he made the decisions to compromise. While I support compromise in some situations in which it awards to greater beneficial productivity, President Obama should not have compromised here.
In recent days, Congressman Ron Paul of Texas has been pushing support for a repeal of Section 1021 to prevent what he calls the possibility of American citizens being detained indefinitely. Regardless of whether or not the ambiguous language could be applied specifically to U.S. citizens in future administrations, repealing this section is a necessary protection of human rights.
RESPONSES:
(Jacob’s arguments are presented first. Kelly’s responses are below.)
This bill provides funding for Veteran’s Affairs, funds suicide prevention program, ensures all deployed service members receive multiple individual mental health assessments, and instructs the Department of Defense to research and report on identifying and treating post-traumatic stress disorder and traumatic brain injury.
Mr. Keplar is absolutely right.There are numerous aspects of the NDAA that authorize the funding for programs indispensable for our military, particularly those for veterans’ healthcare and suicide prevention. The bill also addresses response to sexual assault in the military, which needs attention. That value cannot be denied
If President Obama had vetoed the bill, it is likely that his veto would not have hampered any of these programs. In that sense, it would not have prevented indefinite detention at a fundamental level, either; this is because the bill likely had enough votes to override a veto. President Obama’s veto still would have meant something, however, in the sense that he would have made a stronger statement about the value of protecting human rights as well as the practice of adding controversial sections to an otherwise important and passable piece of legislation, something of which individuals both parties have been guilty.
The bill also provides funding for counterterrorism operations including the offering of rewards, assisting countries whose militaries are also combating terrorism, instructs the Department of Defense to assess and report on money given to Pakistan for its assistance during Operation Enduring Freedom and funds and supports special operations forces.
In an ideal world, the clauses related to indefinite detention would not have any bearing on whether or not individuals stood in support or against a bill funding the military. It is important to remember that any opposition to the NDAA or support of a veto because of the indefinite detention clauses is not an anti-soldier stance or a dismissal of the value of providing our troops with important services. On the contrary, such opposition to the NDAA is in support of human rights.
— Kelly Cosby is a senior in political science and English from Overland Park.
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Comments
Cosby: Point counterpoint: National Defense Authorization Act
Guess what Ms. Cosby...I agree with you and pushed this agreement on other sites back in December. There are things in there supporting the military...of course, this is a National Defense Authorization Act. The strange part is why all this other stuff is in there. Now it is fair to point out that the vote was bipartisan (there was no obstruction from the "other side"). It is also fair to point out that the Senate sponsor was Carl Levin (d) from Michigan. This had nothing to do with cooperation (or lack there of) from across the aisle. Ms. Cosby does need to be reminded of the Department of Homeland Security report that warns about possible terrorists in the form of pro-life advocates, returning veterans, gun owners, and Tea Party activists. These are the likely targets of this administration. Wake up Ms. Cosby, you have been taken for a ride and I think you're starting to smell a skunk. (sorry about mixing my alliterations)
Cosby: Point counterpoint: National Defense Authorization Act
The NDAA only goes to further stifle our Constitutional Rights without the approval of the Americans, just as the Patriot Act was adopted WITHOUT public approval or vote just weeks after the events of 9/11. A mere 3 criminal charges of terrorism a year are attributed to this act, which is mainly used for no-knock raids leading to drug-related arrests without proper cause for search and seizure. The laws are simply a means to spy on our own citizens and to detain and torture dissidents without trial or a right to council. You can read much more about living in this Orwellian society of fear and see my visual response to these measures on my artist’s blog at http://dregstudiosart.blogspot.com/2011/09/living-in-society-of-fear-ten-years.html
Cosby: Point counterpoint: National Defense Authorization Act
The Patriot Act has been voted upon twice. Both times it had bipartisan support in both houses of Congress. Don't tell lies here, the truth is a better weapon.
Cosby: Point counterpoint: National Defense Authorization Act
Indefinite detention isn't our only problem, not when media covers up government crimes. That story can only be found with a search for "New police weapon against homeless".
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