Hidden deep within the recent National Defense Authorization Act, the NDAA, were provisions that allow the U.S. military to arrest, indefinitely detain, and virtually “disappear” any American citizen whom the military brass consider to be a “terrorist.” No specific definitions about what “terrorist” might mean, that is left up to the Pentagon.
When this is added to other repressive laws on the books, the framework of a military-police state has been established in the United States. This will no doubt lead to the victimization of many Americans whom the brass hats think have “the wrong politics” or the “wrong” ethnicity.
Obama gladly signed this law, adding a meaningless “signing statement” which supposedly blunts some of the worst ramifications of the thing.
But we’ve often seen Obama waver on principles or things he’s pledged, and the “blunting” would only be for the rest of his administration anyway, which may have only a year to go.
Here is one more crystal-clear example of how both major parties go hand-in-hand when it comes to expanding the empire and militarizing our society — and attacking civil liberties and democratic rights — and how meaningless and bankrupt are the “lesser evil” politics of progressives supporting Democrats.
Jim Griffin
San Luis Obispo
In response to Michael Miller’s question in the Dec. 22 Tribune, “Why did you and I receive His grace, and they did not?”:
Well, Michael, God is testing the fortunate among us to see whether we can appreciate the privilege and responsibility bestowed upon us to share our good fortunes. Instead, many are hoarding and “burying” what they have out of fear they might lose some of it.
Don’t worry; there is more than enough for everyone in this world, and by helping each other, we can all benefit. So let’s not succumb to fear-induced selfishness and show God we are worthy of his grace.
Terry Mohan
San Luis Obispo
Paula Nixon challenges the AP report of declining unemployment, stating that she has “heard that some cities in the U.S. have almost 20 percent unemployment” (letters, Dec. 26) She continues to write that “most of the new jobs are government jobs that don’t create new money for the economy, just cost the taxpayers.”
I suggest that Ms. Nixon switch from tea to coffee and wake up to reality. According to Bureau of Labor Statistics, the number of jobs in the government sector has declined by an average of 20,500 in each of the past four quarters, while the number of jobs in the total private sector has increased by an average of 151,250 over the same period.
Max Riedlsperger
San Luis Obispo
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