How soon we forget.

Not long ago Joe Lieberman introduced the Terrorist Expatriation Act (S 3327)in Congress. The idea that a citizen of the United States could be stripped of their rights is very disturbing. Of course most of the things that would cause the loss of citizenship are understandable (i.e. swearing allegiance to or getting citizenship in an enemy state). There was one point that was still very disturbing. I did already blog about that bill here.


What seems to have gone unnoticed is John McCain's bill. The Enemy Belligerent Interrogation Detention and Prosecution Act (S 3081).


What really disturbs me is that many people seem to think this is a good idea! That taking away the rights of American citizens because they are suspected of terrorism could ever be thought a good idea is just appalling!!


After all it was only last year when the whole hullaballoo happened about the DHS report that targeted "right-wing extremists" and some other groups as potential terrorists.


So, I ask, Christians who want to deny rights to citizens and to keep even noncitizens from having legal counsel and the right to a trial, what will you do when it is YOU that is taken to a military prison to be held indefinitely without the right to know why you are being held or to have legal counsel or even the chance to defend yourself? How will you feel then? Will you still think that the terrorists are our greatest enemy? Will you still believe that non-citizens should not have Miranda rights when your citizenship is stripped from you because you are merely suspected of terrorist activity?

Christians who lament about how they are 'persecuted' here in America are embracing legislation that will make real persecution so very easy!! I know very few Christians who oppose the PATRIOT Act, and most Christians I know are all for not giving Miranda rights to those who are not citizens and/or are suspected of terrorism. (And, yep, I'm making a big deal about the term 'suspected'. A person is supposed to be innocent until proven guilty, not the other way around). In their zeal for a 'righteous government' and safety from terrorism Christians have lost sight of what America was really all about, freedom from tyranny.

When we crave 'safety' more than our liberty the terrorists win. And so I suppose they have won...