This is in response to the letter titled, "Constitutional?" by Ed Emel.
I am so disgusted by the constant perversion of the facts regarding President Barack Obama. I am referring in this instance to the particular misrepresentation of the National Defense Authorization Act of 2012. First, it should be made clear that this act has been signed annually since the Reagan administration. Its primary purpose is to outline the amount of money needed and the way in which those monies will be used to fund our military.
This bill was sponsored by Rep. Howard "Buck" McKeon, R-Calif., and co-sponsored by Rep. Adam Smith, D-Wash., in April of 2011. This was a bipartisan bill that, while signed by the president, left him with some reservations. I reference the following article:
"Obama Signs Defense Spending Bill Despite Reservations."
By Donna Miles, American Forces Press Service
President Barack Obama signed the 2012 National Defense Authorization Act today, while acknowledging 'serious reservations' about parts of the act, particularly provisions that regulate the detention, interrogation, and prosecution of suspected terrorists.
'I have signed the act chiefly because it authorizes funding for the defense of the United States and its interests abroad, crucial services for service members and their families and vital national security programs that must be renewed,' Obama said in a statement released today."
Further, the press release issued by the White House Office of the Press Secretary on Dec. 31, 2011 states the following:
"Statement by the President on H.R. 1540
under section 1021(e), the bill may not be construed to affect any 'existing law or authorities relating to the detention of United States citizens, lawful resident aliens of the United States, or any other persons who are captured or arrested in the United States.' My Administration strongly supported the inclusion of these limitations in order to make clear beyond doubt that the legislation does nothing more than confirm authorities that the Federal courts have recognized as lawful under the 2001 AUMF. Moreover, I want to clarify that my Administration will not authorize the indefinite military detention without trial of American citizens. Indeed, I believe that doing so would break with our most important traditions and values as a Nation."
I believe these types of false statements are perpetuated by those in opposition to the president because they have no real statements of fact. This type of inflammatory speech in my opinion is no different that hollering "fire" in a movie theatre, which is not protected by the First Amendment.
Due to the rampant misinformation that is taking place, it is the responsibility of the voters to investigate the information for themselves and not rely on individuals whose sole purpose is to perpetuate deceit, thereby, treating the American public like ignorant children. Unfortunately, there are many people who are falling for the ruse.
Educate yourself. Be sure the information you are disseminating is true before sharing it. That includes using reputable websites/sources that are non-partisan and only interested in reporting the facts. Voting is a privilege that people must take very seriously. Choices should not be made by blindly following someone's rhetoric, but by careful consideration of the facts.
