Words of Wisdom

"The spirit of encroachment tends to consolidate the powers of all the departments in one, and thus to create whatever the form of government, a real despotism. A just estimate of that love of power, and proneness to abuse it, which predominates in the human heart is sufficient to satisfy us of the truth of this position."

-- George Washington (Farewell Address, 19 September 1796)

Reference: George Washington: A Collection, W.B. Allen, ed. (521)

I think these words are most appropriate with the passage into law of the Military Commissions Act on October 17, 2006. This law consolidates powers in the executive branch that literally exceed the powers of the original Star Chamber before it. Prosecutor, Judge, Jury and Torture Master are all contained in this hideous masquerade of lawful law; all in the name of "protecting us" from the terrorists without...Every elected official that voted for or signed this law should be bounced as far out of Washington as possible.Editor