The looming collapse of the US military in Iraq, of which a number of generals and former generals, including former Chief of Staff Colin Powell, have warned, is happening none too soon, as it may be the best hope for preventing military rule here at home.
From the looks of things, the Bush/Cheney regime has been working assiduously to pave the way for a declaration of military rule, such that at this point it really lacks only the pretext to trigger a suspension of Constitutional government. They have done this with the active support of Democrats in Congress, though most of the heavy lifting was done by the last, Republican-led Congress.
The first step, or course, was the first Authorization for Use of Military Force, passed in September 2001, which the president has subsequently used to claim—improperly, but so what? —that the whole world, including the US, is a battlefield in a so-called “War” on Terror, and that he has extra-Constitutional unitary executive powers to ignore laws passed by Congress. As constitutional scholar and former Reagan-era associate deputy attorney general Bruce Fein observes, that one claim, that the US is itself a battlefield, is enough to allow this or some future president to declare martial law, “since you can always declare martial law on a battlefield. All he’d need would be a pretext, like another terrorist attack inside the U.S.”
The 2001 AUMF was followed by the PATRIOT Act, passed in October 2001, which undermined much of the Bill of Rights. Around the same time, the president began a campaign of massive spying on Americans by the National Security Agency, conducted without any warrants or other judicial review. It was and remains a program that is clearly aimed at American dissidents and at the administration’s political opponents, since the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Court would never have raised no objections to spying on potential terrorists. (And it, and other government spying programs, have resulted in the government’s having a list now of some 325,000 “suspected terrorists”!)
The other thing we saw early on was the establishment of an underground government-within-a-government, though the activation, following 9-11, of the so-called “Continuity of Government” protocol, which saw heads of federal agencies moved secretly to an underground bunker where, working under the direction of Vice President Dick Cheney, the “government” functioned out of sight of Congress and the public for critical months.
It was also during the first year following 9-11 that the Bush/Cheney regime began its programs of arrest and detention without charge—mostly of resident aliens, but also of American citizens—and of kidnapping and torture in a chain of gulag prisons overseas and at the Navy base at Guantanamo Bay.
The following year, Attorney General John Ashcroft began his program to develop a mass network of tens of millions of citizen spies—Operation TIPS. That program, which had considerable support from key Democrats (notably Sen. Joe Lieberman), was curtailed by Congress when key conservatives got wind of the scale of the thing, but the concept survives without a name, and is reportedly being expanded today.
Meanwhile, last October Bush and Cheney, with the help of a compliant Congress, put in place some key elements needed for a military putsch. There was the overturning of the venerable Posse Comitatus Act of 1878, which barred the use of active duty military inside the United States for police-type functions, and the revision of the Insurrection Act, so as to empower the president to take control of National Guard units in the 50 states even over the objections of the governors of those states.
Put this together with the wholly secret construction now under way--courtesy of a $385-million grant by the US Army Corps of Engineers to Halliburton subsidiary KBR Inc--of detention camps reportedly capable of confining as many as 400,000 people, and a recent report that the Pentagon has a document, dated June 1, 2007, classified Top Secret, which declares there to be a developing “insurgency” within the U.S, and which lays out a whole martial law counterinsurgency campaign against legal dissent, and you have all the ingredients for a military takeover of the United States.
As we go about our daily lives--our shopping, our escapist movie watching, and even our protesting and political organizing—we need to be aware that there is a real risk that it could all blow up, and that we could find ourselves facing armed, uniformed troops at our doors.
Bruce Fein isn’t an alarmist. He says he doesn’t see martial law coming tomorrow. He says, "“This is all sitting around like a loaded gun waiting to go off. I think the risk of martial law is trivial right now, but the minute there is a terrorist attack, then it is real. And it stays with us after Bush and Cheney are gone, because terrorism stays with us forever.” (It may be significant that Hillary Clinton, the leading Democratic candidate for president, has called for the revocation of the 2002 Authorization for Use of Military Force against Iraq, but not of the earlier 2001 AUMF which Bush claims makes him commander in chief of a borderless, endless war on terror.)
Indeed, the revised Insurrection Act (10. USC 331-335) approved by Congress and signed into law by Bush last October, specifically says that the president can federalize the National Guard to “suppress public disorder” in the event of “national disorder, epidemic, other serious public health emergency, terrorist attack or incident.” That determination, the act states, is solely the president’s to make. Congress is not involved.
Sen. Patrick Leahy (D-VT), chair of the Senate Judiciary Committee, has added an amendment to the upcoming Defense bill, restoring the Insurrection Act to its former version—a move that has the endorsement of all 50 governors--but Fein argues that would not solve the problem, since Bush still claims that the U.S. is a battlefield. Besides, a Leahy aide concedes that Bush could sign the next Defense Appropriations bill and then use a signing statement to invalidate the Insurrection Act rider.
Fein argues that the only real defense against the looming disaster of a martial law declaration would be for Congress to vote for a resolution determining that there is no “War” on terror. “But they are such cowards they will never do that,” he says.
That leaves us with the military.
If ordered to turn their guns and bayonets on their fellow Americans, would our “heroes” in uniform follow their consciences, and their oaths to “uphold and defend” the Constitution of the United States? Or would they follow the orders of their Commander in Chief?
It has to be a plus that National Guard and Reserve units are on their third and sometimes fourth deployments to Iraq, and are fuming at the abuse. It has to be a plus that active duty troops are refusing to re-enlist in droves—especially mid-level officers.
If we are headed for martial law, better that it be with a broken military. Maybe if it’s broken badly enough, the administration will be afraid to test the idea.
Mounting evidence (1 & 2) that football star Pat Tillman, who famously gave up a high-paying pro career to sign up as an Army Ranger and fight Al Qaeda in Afghanistan, may have been assassinated in a high-level conspiracy to prevent him from returning to the US as a prominent war critic should make even hardened military people question orders from their commander in chief, particularly if those orders involve arresting or shooting American citizens. Tillman, it is now known, had turned strongly against the war in Iraq as early as late 2003, and was telling his platoon to vote against Bush. There are reports too that he was contacting war critics like Noam Chomsky from Afghanistan about coming out as a war critic in 2004--a prospect which must have terrified the war-mongers in the White House and Pentagon.
The military initially claimed Tillman had been killed in combat, then later claimed his death was from friendly fire. It is now known that an investigation at the time found no evidence of any enemy fire at all, and Tillman's death came from three close shots from an M-16 to the forehead, execution-style. Memos have been found from Pentagon lawyers congratulating each other for having buried a doctor's report on the possibility of murder.
If this is what the government does to its critics, how can soldiers believe anything they are being told?
Of course, the shabby treatment afforded to insured troops should also be having an effect on morale.
Maybe the way to respond to a declaration of martial law is, like the Israelites on the first Passover, to prominently display a sign on one's front door saying, "Support the troops: Bring them home!"
__________________________________ DAVE LINDORFF is a veteran, award-winning investigative reporter based in Philadelphia. His latest book, co-authored by Barbara Olshansky, is “The Case for Impeachment: The Legal Argument for Removing President George W. Bush from Office” (St. Martin’s Press, 2006 and now available in paperback). His work is available at www.thiscantbehappening.net
http://www.thiscantbehappening.net
Dave Lindorff, a columnist for Counterpunch, is author of several recent books ("This Can't Be Happening! Resisting the Disintegration of American Democracy" and "Killing Time: An Investigation into the Death Penalty Case of Mumia Abu-Jamal"). His latest book, coauthored with Barbara Olshanshky, is "The Case for Impeachment: The Legal Argument for Removing President George W. Bush from Office (St. Martin's Press, May 2006). His writing is available at http://www.thiscantbehappening.net
Luck has nothing to do with our military(National Guard, Reserves, and Regular) breaking down. This has all been planned by Bush and his people. When was the last time we sent our National Guard and Reserves to do fighting abroad? Bush has his own army in the Blackwater group that is very thinly disguised as a security company. Blackwater has branches just south of DC, Illinois, and near San Diego. They are equipped with the best weapons and armour money(our tax dollars) can buy. That is the reason our regular military does not have the best weapons available in Iraq. If, and when Bush decides to take over our government, most of our military will be occupied in Iraq and Afghanistan(and hopefully not in Iran). That is the only explanation for Bush's keeping the Iraq war going. We need OUR military home where they belong to protect us from Bush and his Blackwater boys.
by
Hayesml47 (4 articles, 0 quicklinks, 1 diaries, 471 comments)
on Friday, July 27, 2007 at 3:46:10 PM
You really expect "our" military to "protect" "us"?
"We need OUR military home where they belong to protect us from Bush and his Blackwater boys."
Well right now "our" military is in Iraq, killing and maiming and subjugating people who've done nothing to them. Right now, "our" military people are violating their enlistment oaths, the laws and Constitution of the U.S., international law, the Doctirne of Just War, etc.
I don't see how the same stupid, ignorant, morally incompetent, pitifully brainwashed robots presently killing people in Iraq for a paycheck are all of a sudden somehow going to turn on their masters, develop a sense of real patriotism, somehow overcome their moral incompetence and develop some critical thinking skills and generally come to their senses.
Frankly speaking, they won't hesitate to do to you and your town what Sherman's soldiers did to the South during the Civil War, and likely they'll do far worse...they are our masters' military, not ours.
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jpsmith123 (3 articles, 1 quicklinks, 1 diaries, 286 comments)
on Saturday, July 28, 2007 at 8:24:42 PM
I just could not wait. The placement of Blackwater troops here in the US is rather strategic since they are right near major US Military bases. The next question is how can Congress take control of the US Military? The way I see it is they need to indict and arrest Bush and Cheney at once and then work on the investigation. At the same time they need to bring our troops home. Of course the Blackwater troops in Iraq will need to be neutralized also. Geez, what a mess!
by
Hayesml47 (4 articles, 0 quicklinks, 1 diaries, 471 comments)
on Friday, July 27, 2007 at 7:42:55 PM
just did a bit of preliminary research, and forward information I come across about the new illinois blackwater north camp, but there are local groups -- some peace groups and some people in the jo davies area -- putting in some good work on them.
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Blue Pilgrim (0 articles, 3 quicklinks, 2 diaries, 997 comments)
on Saturday, July 28, 2007 at 6:31:50 AM
That is how long I havce been writing about a coup and mercenaries, but now, with the pussycat, Do-nothing Dems in charge, their ratings at 29% just a smidge above Bush's, they may not need to declare Martial Law, the Dems have already given up-its over we are now a dictatorship, if you doubt it look at the last exec order, with 22 days to go it will be law and no Dem has even brought it up. There are scared of the cowards. And the "Justice"department rejectes the Contempt of Congress charges and if it goes to the Supreme court thay will reject it as well. Bye, Bye, Miss American Pie, it is OVER!
22 DAAYS LEFT FOR cONGRESS TO RESCIND BUSH'S EXECUTIVE ORDER
It is the timing of the order that's significant. The 30 day period for Congress to respond is in the middle of August which is when Congress is on vacation. That's why it was signed by Bush in mid July, to take advantage of the Congressional recess. Also, WHY IS THEIR NO ALARM ABOUT THIS BY LIBERALS TO THE Democowardcrats in Congress?
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Swami Bogananda (0 articles, 0 quicklinks, 0 diaries, 38 comments)
on Sunday, July 29, 2007 at 2:15:29 PM
Since and because of the IranContragate hearings it was revealed that President Reagan had authorised military forces to stand ready to crush domestic unrest should it be considered necessary to invade Nicaragua. A ship was anchored near Berkeley and San Francisco for that exact purpose.
In fact, during the 80's when I was still in Berkeley I found myself in the company of a british citizen contracted to the US military... we'd been out drinking and talking...he'd been to places like Lebanon while in the employ of the US military and at that time he told me that the US military(and I quote) "was ready to deal with the city of Berkeley!"
I was never more proud of my town and our traditions.
Reminds me of yet another time in our nation's history. Under the another government program, COINTELPRO.... the Nixon White House and its inner group of ultra rightwing councillors like G Gordon Liddy and Donald Segretti who continually hatched plans like ..... when the GOP Convention was thought to take place in San Diego they funneled money to a rightwing paramilitary group called the Secret Army Organisation who were charged with responsibility to wage war on San Diego's anti war community...part of the plan was for them to kidnap prominent antiwar activists and take them to a camp in Mexico...one of whom, the marxist theoritician and prominent author, Herbert Marcuse was marked by the White House to be hung at such a location. When the GOP Convention changed location in Miami Florida they hatched other plans for the war critics that included everything from organised attacks by far right thugs to planting machine guns at organisation headquarters in order to provoke a bloodbath.
A few attempted assassination attempts aside fortunately few of these plans ever reached fruition.
I agree that I seriously doubt american troops would obey orders to crack down on american citizens. I too had been following the Homeland Security's Citizen Spy program, which is more distressing that I can express.
More disturbing are the articles I've read (courtesy of Truthout.org) about the growing christian evangelist movement within the american military and their harassment of officer candidates who are not of the same christian extremist point of view. That, to me is a frightening prospect. Every military coup in the third world is always composed of factions within the military of extremists of one sort or another that, driven by ideology, would go to any length decimating whatever constitution and feeling justified in doing so for the sake of .....some greater goal.
However, any operation takes a great deal of logistical coordination.... and intelligence agencies like the CIA would be needed in such an undertaking but..... Bush and his crew have repeated blamed experienced intelligence personnel for all their foreign policy failures and that has led to quite a number of seasoned intelligence personnel to leave....or to feel less than loyal to the neocons in power. Even within the Pentagon you have personnel who've chafed under the arrogant direction of civilian directors like Rumfield who treated experienced high ranking officers with disdain. So the way I see it..... the only ones left supporting Bush are the religious extremists. who, under this Administration are allowed if not encouraged to flourish.
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chariotdrvr14 (0 articles, 0 quicklinks, 1 diaries, 125 comments)
on Friday, July 27, 2007 at 8:22:17 PM
This articles raises some very good points. Martial law will need to be carried out by armed troops. I think USA troops are mostly awake to whats going on(even after the administration blocked the troops to access of YouTube, etc). I wonder what country's military will be used to do gun sweeps inside of our homes?
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J. Vorhees (6 articles, 0 quicklinks, 1 diaries, 66 comments)
on Friday, July 27, 2007 at 9:02:33 PM
You seem to be, and if so do vets sit around and plan like they can or should?
I saw the movie "Shooter" and its the vets in coordination with todays soldiers that I believe can save our country.
I saw Blackwater in action in Louisiana after Hurricane Katrina. Recruits for Blackwater bragged on the weaponry they were training with, also bragged about their deployments to Iraq, Afghanistan and I am sure they are elsewhere. They are rogue mercenaries, but a few that I met (bragging), seemed to be not too sharp in the cookie jar.
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dsgarvin (0 articles, 0 quicklinks, 0 diaries, 5 comments)
on Friday, July 27, 2007 at 11:49:39 PM
Scheduler, I am a disabled Vietnam Vet. I do not have any contact with the Vets or troops of today. Wish that I did though. Most of the Vets I know are American Legion and VFW boys who still support Bush. They are beginning to see some of the stuff that I have shown them but by the time they fully awake it will be too late. Being older folk a lot of them get ruffled when a young sprat(60) like me tells them our country is falling apart. The only reason Bush has our(US) troops occupied in Iraq so long is to keep them out of country while he makes his moves. Blackwater reminds me of the "dumb" Marines. Most of our Marines are quite intelligent and as Patriotic as possible but there are those few that tend to be Neo-conish. In other words they let others do their thinking for them and follow blindly where ever they are led. I feel that if the troops and their leadership know what is going on they will make the correct decisions. It is just that they may not realize the truth before it is too late. If Bush stages a terrorist attack how fast will we know it was him? There are so many possiblities it will be difficult to know. Shoot, just getting Congress to wake up and realize Bush has divided and conquered them by pitting Dems against Reps will take another 10 years or 1 take over, which ever occurs first.
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Hayesml47 (4 articles, 0 quicklinks, 1 diaries, 471 comments)
on Saturday, July 28, 2007 at 8:20:32 AM
I have heard commentaries indicating that President Bush plans on using foreign troops for Martial Law implementation. While I hope not, perhaps others may have some information to substantiate this.
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Lance L. Landon (3 articles, 1 quicklinks, 6 diaries, 29 comments)
on Friday, July 27, 2007 at 11:56:42 PM
Bush has no need for foreign troops. He has large numbers of well equipped Blackwater "security" forces stationed by almost all of our US troop bases already. San Diego, Illinois, DC, Bagdad, they all employ enough men to at least neutralize our regular military and if they get a surprise attack started it may be over before anyone notices.
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Hayesml47 (4 articles, 0 quicklinks, 1 diaries, 471 comments)
on Saturday, July 28, 2007 at 8:25:43 AM
Where do you think "Blackwater" gets its "troops" from?
From the ranks of the U.S. military I would think, no?
Moreover, don't forget, "we" have a volunteer military, and people are still joining up to help Bush murder people in the MidEast. These people are demented. They are no different than Bush and Cheney...they are merely an extension of Bush and Cheney.
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jpsmith123 (3 articles, 1 quicklinks, 1 diaries, 286 comments)
on Saturday, July 28, 2007 at 8:32:31 PM
I would suspect that Blackwater gets most of their troops from other paramilitary groups such as Aryan Nation, KKK, and various other right wing, white supremist types of groups. You will recognize the type by their skin heads and valuing their dogs and guns ahead of their families. The very same type of supremists that populate the radical right wing Islamic groups. They prize ignorance and closed minds above all else. To steal a line from Blazin' Saddles, "You know, Morons!".
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Hayesml47 (4 articles, 0 quicklinks, 1 diaries, 471 comments)
on Saturday, July 28, 2007 at 9:28:42 PM
"I would suspect that Blackwater gets most of their troops from other paramilitary groups such as Aryan Nation, KKK, and various other right wing, white supremist types of groups."
Are you trying to be funny, or are you just deluded? Here is a Blackwater "applicant questionnaire" for you to look at. Seems to me they are looking to recruit people with a military or law enforcement background...government all the way, no?
"You will recognize the type by their skin heads and valuing their dogs and guns ahead of their families. The very same type of supremists that populate the radical right wing Islamic groups. They prize ignorance and closed minds above all else. To steal a line from Blazin' Saddles, "You know, Morons!".
Ignorance? LOL! Well, look who's talkin'! If you want to discover their ideological bent, maybe you could trouble yourself to take a look at their official publications (The "Tactical Weekly"...ROTFLMAO!)?
I just picked one at random, and look at the title of the first article: "Arab nationalism's last gasp". That kind of drivel doesn't sound very"tactical" to me...sounds rather more ideological.So, I hate to rain on your parade, but I've got some news for you: if there is supremacist ideology involved here, it is Jewish supremacism.
by
jpsmith123 (3 articles, 1 quicklinks, 1 diaries, 286 comments)
on Saturday, July 28, 2007 at 10:33:45 PM
You made some utterly mindless statements, and you then followed up with some more mindless, juvenile, pejorative nonsense. I proved you wrong. There's no need to wax sarcastic over it. Apparently you just take yourself way too seriously. Get over it.
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jpsmith123 (3 articles, 1 quicklinks, 1 diaries, 286 comments)
on Sunday, July 29, 2007 at 6:31:10 PM
I have not made any mistakes other than attempting to use reason and logic with you. Obviously you are incapable of much other than name calling and attempts at belittling others. Neither one qualifies as any kind of a logical arguing tool. If you cannot maintain any civility in your posts why bother to post at all?
by
Hayesml47 (4 articles, 0 quicklinks, 1 diaries, 471 comments)
on Monday, July 30, 2007 at 8:50:03 PM
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by
walley (0 articles, 0 quicklinks, 0 diaries, 108 comments)
on Sunday, July 29, 2007 at 10:08:26 AM
