Please Educate Me.. .... ... What rights have I lost as a result of President Bushs' policies ?

Question

I haven't noticed anything change in my life. Wiretapping overseas calls hasn't affected me. And I'm not ignorant, so I do realize that various agendas and laws can lead to other more stringent laws, but after reading all the complaints about 'habeus corpus' and 'wiretapping' , I have yet to notice one single change in my life and my freedoms.

Answer 1

You've lost the "right" to have friendly phone chats with Osama.

You've lost the "right" to expose covert agents and secret programs while defending your terrorist activities.

[Oh, and "Sneak & Peek" searches are done by warrant - it's just that you are not alerted. Don't these people know even the simplest thing?]

Answer 2

As an American citizen you need not worry about the Patriot Act or the Military Commissions Act of 2006 infringing upon your rights.

The MCA: 2006 was a historical document in that it is the first legislation in the world officially recognizing enemy combatants. The Geneva Conventions do not protect enemy combatants except that they are considered spies, who have no rights at all under any international Treaty. For MCA: 2006 to apply to you, you would have to pick up arms against US troops outside the country. There are laws protecting the rights of US citizens arrested within the US or it's territories so MCA: 2006 does not apply.

Answer 3

The fact of the matter is that no US person has lost any rights they held before 9/11. People will try to mislead you with the 'enemy combatant' claim but carefully omit the fact that if you fight for the enemy you can rightfully and legally be detained under International and US laws.

Answer 4

Read Sections 948a and 948b of the Military Commissions Act of 2006. The MCA effectively suspends habeas corpus for those individuals deemed "unlawful enemy combatants," however, the act defines "unlawful enemy combatant" in such a broad way as to include just about anyone. Anyone can be determined to be an unlawful enemy combatant, including U.S. citizens, by a tribunal set up by the President or the Secretary of Defense. Considering that this administration is pretty quick to accuse those that disagree with it of treason, it makes me very nervous.

If I were you, I'd get down on my knees and pray that a future administration doesn't decide that YOU are an "unlawful enemy combatant" for criticizing its policies or donating money to the wrong charity.

Answer 5

The right to be told the truth when your government sends troops into combat. The right to an open government that is accountable to the people. The right to speak on your phone without fear of the goverment listening in without a warrant. The right to be free of unlawful searches and seizures without a warrant. (Sneek and Peek searches in the Patriot Act). The right of habeus corpus (if the president decides that you are an enemy combatant).

Just because you haven't noticed the change doesn't mean they haven't happened. The real question is when do you become outraged at the loss of other peoples freedoms?

Answer 6

If accused of terrorism, you do not have the right to argue for your innocence, nor to protest your imprisonment.

You may not have a lawyer. You do not get to argue your case in court. In fact, you do not even need to be charged with a crime before you are locked up for the rest of your life.

Of course, a non-Jewish person in 1938 Germany could have asked your same question. Many did, and came to the same apathetic conclusion as you.

Answer 7

You probably have lost the possibility to be proud of being american at your possible trips to foreign countries, especially to middle-east area.

In some countries you might get into trouble just by indicating that you are american tourist.

Answer 8

You have the freedom to walk down the street and NOT have to worry about suicide bombers.

Oh wait, sorry... proving the opposite there.

Answer 9

As you have suspected, NONE.

Thank you very much, while you're up!!.