Written by Hugh Iglarsh   

Senator Dick Durbin
Senator from Illinois
Assistant Majority Leader

Dear Senator Durbin:

I would just like to say "thank you" for voting against the National Defense Authorization Act of 2013, which allows for the indefinite detention by the military of anyone (even American citizens) accused of supporting terrorism.

I am shocked that the United States Senate, that august deliberative body, could pass such a measure by an overwhelming majority (81-14). And I deeply respect those senators -- ranging from Rand Paul to Bernie Sanders to you -- willing to challenge this depressing bipartisan consensus.

As I don't have to tell you, this provision makes a mockery of the Bill of Rights, not to mention the rule of law, the separation and balance of powers, inalienable rights and liberties, limited executive prerogative, civilian control of the military, and in short every value and ideal taught in civics class as essential to democratic and constitutional governance.

The vote shows that the true basis of American life in the 21st century is media-reinforced synthetic fear, permanent war against self-created enemies, and rule by and for the military-industrial-intelligence complex. It is a world not of Jefferson and Madison and Montesquieu, but of Orwell and HUAC and Strangelove. As the paranoia heats up and the pseudo-crisis turns endless and total, the parties merge and real political discourse and action become increasingly difficult. The citizen disappears, replaced by a passive, frightened, childish victim. What will emerge from this cauldron?

Once again, thank you for standing up for our rights, and not submitting to the fear-mongers. Thank you for representing your human constituents, and not the bloated and arrogant institutions that seek to dominate and intimidate us. You did the right thing, and I will remember this in the years to come.

Yours,
Hugh Iglarsh

http://readersupportednews.org/news-section2/318-66/15237-senate-passes-ndaa-indefinite-detention-bill