[FDE] on the proposed demise of the bill of rights

[Allen]

Mike Markowitz wrote:
[snip]

> So, in fact, the law would probably have limited positive effect here...
> and the negative effects on our constitutional freedoms would be
> devastating.
> 
> Is it really that bad? If you don't place any value whatsoever in the
> fifth amendment, then you might not think so. I, however, would rather
> see the street filled with pedophiles than lose (or weaken) any part of
> the bill of rights. (I've kinda' gotten used to living with them -- rights,
> that is, not pedophiles.)
 >
> And what checks and balances/oversight are we talking about? You want
> something like the FISA court deciding whether you can refrain from
> incriminating yourself? What's next? A court to decide on a case-by-case
> basis whether due process is reasonable? How 'bout double jeopardy?
> (Is this the US or some 3rd world country we're talking about? Or
> just something the Bush administration is capable of?)
> 
> The 'right of silence' is rather fundamental here... it's been
> reaffirmed by the Supreme Court numerous times, in several guises.
> The situation in the UK/EU is considerably different as Albert
> previously reported. There the related human rights have undergone
> serious erosion for at least 20 years. Here are more references:
> 
> http://www.legalday.com/commentaries/sally-ramage/right-to-silence-part-i.html
> http://www.justice.ie/en/JELR/InterimReport.pdf/Files/InterimReport.pdf

The "Founding Fathers" had long memories and knew their history. 
As a result one of the more forgotten elements in the list of 
motivations of the American Revolution and the US Constitution 
were the infamous "Star Chamber Sessions." Then, too, they also 
knew their Cicero: "Quis custodiet ipsos custodes?" but we seem 
to have become blinded to history.

There is almost never a strategically new way of oppressing 
people, just new tactics. Look at the long history of slavery and 
how it evolved. They may have been freed, but they still had to 
ride in the back of the bus. They may be able to ride anywhere on 
the bus but can they afford the fare? Et Cetera.

If you wish to avoid slavery itself, look at Dickens and his 
times, now look around you. Are there not children going to bed 
hungry? Are their not people dying because of a lack of medical 
care? Are there not elderly who live on cat food?

As I said at the height of the black power movement, there isn't 
any real difference whether you spell the word in front of power 
b l a c k, or w h i t e. The key is having the power to oppress.

Currently it is those who are out to "protect" us from evil who 
are pushing for more power and as unrestrained power as possible.

Look at the fact that 50 years ago "Howl" was found to be 
literature, not obscenity, but today radio stations are afraid to 
broadcast it in fear of the FCC.

The bars on our prisons are not always visible but they confine 
us nevertheless unless we are willing to rattle them like Joshua.

Best,

Allen