Civil Liberties in time of war - what has Bush done that is new?

Question

There have been allegations that Bush's surveillance programs, detention of combatants and other measures have eroded civil liberties. Can anyone provide examples of how Bush has taken steps that were not taken by other commanders in chief in time of war? Please provide cites if possible - here is the chance to make the case! Thanks.

Congress authorized the use of force - the Constitution does not provide any specific wording required for a declaration of war:

http://www.whitehouse.gov/news/releases/2002/10/20021002-2.html

Answer 1

He has done nothing new, and in fact, he has not done things that were done in the past.

Answer 2

Allowing the CIA and Pentagon to gather information on American citizens is in violation of US law. I would look at the MCA and the suspension of habeas corpus for ANYone the president deems appropriate. Its unconstitutional.

Answer 3

Talk about civil liberties being forfeited, you only have to go back to 1941 to see what it would be like to really lose your civil liberty. I'm talking about the American Japanese who all lost their Liberty, not only that but they lost their homes and businesses. No, George Bush may bend the civil liberty rules a little.

Answer 4

1. He has eliminated our right of habeas corpus -- something that has *never* happened in this country.
2. He has issued over a thousand "signing statements" that exempt him from obeying or enforcing laws passed by Congress. There were fewer than six hundred such statements issued by ALL previous Presidents combined.

Just to name two.

Answer 5

Just as a reminder, this isn't a declared War. Nothing more than Korea or Vietnam. Case in Point.