Jacob G. Hornberger, founder and president of The Future of Freedom Foundation, on The Padilla Ruling Is a Victory for Freedom:
As I have been writing for the past two years, it is impossible to overstate the importance of the Jose Padilla case. The power assumed by the U.S. military and the Bush administration in the Padilla case constitutes what is arguably the most ominous and dangerous threat to the freedom of the American people in our lifetime. Fortunately, this past Monday a U.S. district court in South Carolina put the quietus to the assumption and exercise of such power. The court’s ruling was a major victory for freedom, the Constitution, the Bill of Rights, and the rule of law. Unfortunately, however, the government is appealing, hoping to overturn the district court’s judgment.
I’ve also spoken out against this Administration’s excesses and ignorance with regard to application of the Bill of Rights via my personal blog and The Multiracial Activist. If these folks can lock up Padilla indefinitely without charge, what’s to stop them from doing it to you? If they disrespect the rights of one citizen, then they’ve endangered the rights of us all. Personally, I’d rather count on the rule of law, than the integrity of anyone at the Department of Justice or on Pennsylvania Avenue to protect my civil liberties.
This entry also posted at Taking The Gloves Off.