[Congressman Billybob]

Contrary to what the New York Times says in this article, this is NOT a new decision. It is NOT an expansion of Presidential power. The Law of War was well established before the United States was a gleam in Sam Adams' eye.

That's all this decision is all about.

Congressman Billybob

[alpowolf]

My eyesight is fine. Bolding is not necessary.

I do not agree that the President always has the authority to throw any American citizen in a military prison, for no reason, without judicial review, forever. Please cite the article of the Constitution giving him this authority.

Of course, he does have the power; power is not the same as authority. And of course past Presidents have abused power. This does not make it right.

This Law of War you speak of applies to nation-states. Surely you can see the danger of applying it to a "War on Terror" against no clearly defined enemy that will surely never end. Can you name a politician likely to become President that will ever surrender this kind of power?

This decision will be cited by whichever President decides to use it to make people he/she doesn't like disappear. We are going to have to decide if we want to live in a free republic, or a banana republic.

[Copernicus]

The Law of War was well established before the United States was a gleam in Sam Adams' eye.

You can number me among the confused regardless of the New York Times interpretation.

Has the United States Congress declared war and extended war powers to the Chief Executive?

How can the War on Terrorism be distinguished from the War on Drugs or the War on Poverty?

Is it the War on Terroism or the War on Drugs or the War on Poverty that forbids citizens from traveling with more than an arbitrary amount of cash(especially through airports);can be relieved of that cash without judicial review or due process;or even presumes guilt until innocence is established with an extensive strip search? (especially through airports)

Is the charge of "enemy combatant" established when a citizen is seized on a battlefield or when he/she is sitting in a domecile?

Will the charge of "enemy combatant" be applied equally to Earth First! Arsons; IRS Tax Dissidents; Militias;or political incorrect websites?

In short will I be an "enemy combatant" if I am traveling through Tennessee with my wife, child and dog and subject to a felony stop and the gratuitous execution of a family pet?

Any number of bows and ribbons will not change the fact the Bush Administration is little more than the third term of the Clintigula Administration.

"Read my lips: No New Tyranny" seems to be the motto of Bush43.

Best regards,