Most wicked, notorious, death-dealing his ways,
The world he destroys while he still garners praise.
--with apologies to Walton Chalmers Smith
Jesse Wendel at The Group News Blog informs us of the following:
On December 20, 2007, President Bush signed routine postal legislation. In a "Signing Statement", the President claims Executive Power to search the mail of U.S. citizens inside the United States without a warrant, in direct contradiction of the bill he had just signed.
In an article from The Seattle Times ("Bush says feds can open mail without warrant") that Wendel cites, we read:
White House spokeswoman Emily Lawrimore denied Bush was claiming new authority.I wonder whether Emily Lawrimore was experimenting with ayahuasca or merely some especially potent White House kool-aid because I can think of no other way she might imagine that the Constitution does not require warrants in certain circumstances.
"In certain circumstances — such as with the proverbial 'ticking bomb' — the Constitution does not require warrants for reasonable searches," she said.
Bush, however, cited "exigent circumstances" that could refer to an imminent danger or a long-standing state of emergency.
Amendment IVWhat part of "shall not be violated" or "no warrants shall issue, but upon probably cause" does Ms. Lawrimore not understand?
The right of the people to be secure in their persons, houses, papers, and effects, against unreasonable searches and seizures, shall not be violated, and no warrants shall issue, but upon probable cause, supported by oath or affirmation, and particularly describing the place to be searched, and the persons or things to be seized.
If there is a "ticking bomb" situation, even the FISA court statutes allow for action first and requesting a warrant within 72 hours thereafter, so action is not forbidden but actually provided for. Don't let them ever tell you that Congress or the Democrats don't want to allow them to act for our protection. It's pure bullshit and they know it.
We cannot, we must nut, allow the White House to redefine the Constitution to mean the opposite of its clear intent. Strike down their lies! Inform the ignorant! Correct the bloviators!
George Walker Bush is a liar. The people surrounding him are liars. Say it loud and say it proud; they must not be allowed to get away with it!
[I originally typed that he was "a damned, detestable liar," but damning is God's job and not mine. That I detest the man and everything he stands for is so obvious it would be redundant to insert it in the large-type passage.]
This constitutes this week's Thursday Constitution blogging post.
--the BB
6 comments:
You're offending Queen Victoria ;-).
I am too busy to write, but Maya Pavlova sends love. How are you feeling?
If Vicky's descendants have not utterly devastated the old girl, I'm sure she'll survive this asshat.
Miss Maya Pavlova is flipping gorgeous, but I'm sure she knows that. Cats usually do. Tell her that I am flattered and send love back. Also that Botswana is home to some good bishops, past and present, which makes it a very special place.
My lungs feel better already. Thank you, Jesus, for drugs.
But but but, Baby Jeebus picked him to be our pres'nit.
Baby Jeebus did better work in his diapers than this [fill in the blank].
Paul! And you a priest! (I have to say this stuff while Mimi is away.) You radical Padres. Next thing we know you'll have us singing about how Jeebus is the Prince of Peace.
Jane, thanks for stepping into the breach (or the diaper load as the case may be) while Mimi is away. I do miss her when she goes on vacation.
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