This could be a big deal. While progressives have major problems with much of the teaparty's values, I've always felt that if the left and the teaparty could get together on anything, it could prove incredibly powerful. So, this is not the left. It is the Occupy movement, a far less ideological movement, but one with amazing potency and promise. I hope we see a lot more of this, and that this even is wildly succesful.
From: Occupy Medford
Sent: Saturday, February 11, 2012 11:34 PM
Subject: Press Release: Occupy & Tea Party Join Together
PLACE: Vogel Plaza, Central Ave & Main St, Medford OR
Southern Oregon Conservatives and Liberals Join to Protest NDAA (National Defense Authorization Act of Fiscal Year 2012)
MEDFORD, OREGON - On Monday 13 February 2012 at Noon in Vogel Plaza there will be a demonstration against the passing of the NDAA, including Wake Up America Southern Oregon, and Occupy Coalition of Ashland, Medford, and Grants Pass, as well as concerned individuals across the political spectrum.
The indefinite detention clauses (sections 1021 and 1022) within this year's National Defense Authorization Act (signed into law 31 December 2011) are a direct attack upon the civil rights of all Americans, and represent another step taken toward eroding the freedoms which lay at the foundation of our society.
The detention sections of the NDAA begin by "affirm[ing]" that the authority of the President under the Authorization for Use of Military Force (AUMF), a joint resolution passed in the immediate aftermath of the September 11th 2001 attacks, includes the power to detain, via the Armed Forces, any person "who was part of or substantially supported al-Qaeda, the Taliban, or associated forces that are engaged in hostilities against the United States or its coalition partners," and anyone who commits a "belligerent act" against the U.S. or its coalition allies in aid of such enemy forces, under the law of war, "without trial, until the end of the hostilities...". The text also authorizes trial by military tribunal, or "transfer to the custody or control of the person's country of origin," or transfer to "any other foreign country, or any other foreign entity."[1]
After signing the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2012 into law, President Obama issued a statement on it that addressed "certain provisions that regulate the detention, interrogation, and prosecution of terrorism suspects." In the statement Obama maintained that "the legislation does nothing more than confirm authorities that the Federal courts have recognized as lawful under the 2001 AUMF. I want to clarify that my Administration will not authorize the indefinite military detention without trial of American citizens."[1] The only provision from which U.S. citizens are exempted here is the "requirement" of military detention. For foreign nationals accused of being members of Al Qaeda, military detention is mandatory; for U.S. citizens, it is optional. This section does not exempt U.S citizens from the presidential power of detention [by the military OR civilian agencies such as the CIA/DHS/FBI etc.]: only from the requirement of military detention.[2]
A demonstration uniting groups and individuals from across the political spectrum will be held on the 13th to show that united we can begin to stand up to the problems which face us as a nation and a people. Please join us in standing up for justice and freedom.
Speakers:
Gil Gilbertson - Josephine County Sheriff, http://www.jocosheriff.us
Joseph Snook - Wake Up America, http://www.usobserver.com/wua/
Ben Playfaire - Occupy Medford, http://facebook.com/
Linda Sturgeon - Occupy Ashland, http://www.
Jeff Golden -- Immense Possibilities as seen on SOPTV, http://www.
STATEMENTS:
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