Posted on 10/07/2011 9:02:40 PM PDT by smoothsailing
Jason Pye
October 7, 2011
Back in May, Herman Cain answered a few questions from Conor Friedersdorf of The Atlantic dealing with Libya and civil liberties issues. Cain’s answers on the USA PATRIOT Act were disappointing; and quite frankly, showed a severe lack of respect for the Fourth Amendment, especially for someone that supposedly wants to restore the Constitution.
Oddly though, Cain rejected the idea of a president authorizing the death of American citizen, as in the case of Anwar al-Awlaki, without due process guaranteed by the Fifth Amendment. Here the relevant part of the interview (Friedersdorf’s questions are in bold):
President Obama has said that he has the authority to assassinate American citizens if he’s declared them an enemy combatant in the War on Terror. Al Awlaki is one guy who is on the official government list where he can be taken out. Do you have any thoughts on that? Is it a good policy because it allows us to take out Americans who may have joined Al Qaeda? Or is it a bad policy-
Well first of all, this is the first that I have heard - you’re saying it’s okay to take out American citizens if he suspects they are terrorist related. Is that what you said?!
Yes, that’s what I said.
I’ve got to be honest with you. I have not heard that. I had not heard that’s something that he said. I don’t believe that the president of the United States should order the assassination of citizens of the United States. That’s why we have our court system, and that’s why we have our laws. Even if the person is suspected of being affiliated with terrorism, if they are a citizen of this country, they still deserve the rights of this country, which includes due process. Osama bin Laden was not a citizen of the United States of America. So I would not have changed the decision the president made in that regard. But if you’re a citizen, no, it is not right for the president to to think he has the power to have you assassinated. No. He has the power to make sure you’re locked up, but you have to go through due process.
What about other people who are locked up? Where should we try terrorists when we capture them? Military tribunals? The court system?
I firmly believe it should be military tribunals. I don’t believe we should clog up our court system trying terrorists. They’re not citizens of the United States. They are a threat to the United States. I think they should be tried by military tribunals. The process would move a lot faster, and we are much more likely to get the proper judgment against these people who have killed many of our citizens, and who have a desire to kill more of our citizens.
While Cain was unaware of the situation in question — a troublesome revelation in and of itself, you can see that there is no ambiguity in his answer, even if the American citizen in question is engaged in terrorist activities, as Cain says, “they still deserve the rights of this country, which includes due process.”
But this week, just days after Awlaki was killed without due process, Cain expressed support for President Obama’s action and denied that he ever said anything to the contrary (emphasis mine):
During a brief phone interview this afternoon with The Weekly Standard, Cain responded to questions that have been raised about his positions on the war on terror and taxes.
Asked why he had backed off his opposition to the U.S. military’s targeting Anwar Awlaki, the al Qaeda terrorist and American citizen who was killed Friday by a drone strike in Yemen, Cain denied that he had ever opposed taking out Awlaki.
“I never said that [President Obama] should not have ordered [the killing]. I don’t recall saying that. I think you’ve got some misinformation,” Cain said. “Keep in mind that there are a lot of people out there trying to make me sound as if I am indecisive.”
Uh, we didn’t have to try, Mr. Cain. You’re doing a pretty good job of making yourself sound indecisive. Of course, this isn’t the first gaffe Cain has made on foreign policy issues. Remember, he bombed Chris Wallace’s question on Palestinian “right of return” during a visit on Fox News Sunday and other answers on foreign policy questions have been essentially that we’ll have to elect him to find out what he believes. Unfortunately for Cain (but thankfully for the rest of us), it doesn’t work that way.
Cain has also been backing himself into a corner on Rick Perry. It’s become obvious that he’s not Perry’s biggest fan, it seems for political reasons more than anything else, as evidence by overplaying his hand on the hunting camp story that was recently brought to light.
During an interview yesterday with the National Journal, Cain said that he’d consider the vice-presidential spot on the ticket with any of his rivals…except for Perry:
Herman Cain said Thursday that he would consider an invitation to join an eventual Republican presidential nominee as a vice presidential candidate — unless the nominee is Rick Perry.
[…]
“I would not say no to being vice president of the United States,” Cain said. “But it would depend upon who got the nomination. I will support who gets the nomination. I know I have said that there are some people right now who I cannot support, but I wouldn’t say no to it. I could say yes. But it has to be someone who I believe I can complement them in their job by being able to bring my skills to the table.”But, Cain told the National Journal, “Quite frankly, based upon Governor Perry’s position on some issues, I would not be comfortable being his vice presidential nominee.”
Cain said that while he hasn’t “totally gone through all of [Perry’s] positions, but a lot of positions I have questions with” including “being soft on the border, issues relative to tuition for children of illegal aliens.”
Interestingly, Tax Hike Mike Huckabee held a similar position as Perry on in-state tuition for children of illegal immigrants, but that didn’t stop Cain from sending Huckabee $2,300 during the 2008 primary.
We’ll have more on Cain later. Stay tuned.
Please calm down and read post #61. Reagan Man answered your questions, he made a case for Perry and he did it without whining or mentioning another candidate - not even once.
I’m starting to see a certain kind of blind devotion to a candidate (the kind that cannot handle any criticism whatsoever) that I used to see given to Sarah Palin. Man, I hope we’re not going to have to go through that stuff again!
I’ll be the first to admit that Perry has made some serious mistakes during the debates - I hope he can move past them. I think he has time to do so, and I think he is the best qualified of any of our candidates.
You can usually send messages straight to the political action committee. I have even gotten a response or two for unique ideas, but this just makes plain sense. We already don’t like Romney, and we want to know why we should stand behind Perry.
Yes indeed. Sounds like Cain is confused on abortion. He believes life begins at conception but a woman and not the govt has the right to choose to have an abortion. At least in that video.
Cain needs to be vetted and quickly. He has no executive experience in governemnt and that means he has no public record for people to judge him on. All he has is rhetoric. That’s not good enough.
Uh oh. Just when I was starting to warm up to the guy. Bachmann? down. Perry? stumbling. Next up - Cain. And he doesn't even know there is a terrorism hit list that could include American citizens? This is our last relief pitcher and he is already taking hits. Not the end of the world on this one so we'll see how it goes.
Depends on if they're Baptist.
What looks worse to the average voter in America?
Having someone point out Mormons are weird? Or calling conservatives Heartless for not being for open borders?
Duh.
Troll.
The Constitution is not a suicide note. I doubt there is Constitutional protection for a fatwa authorizing insurrection to establish a caliphate.
I have no problem with Cain’s 2ndA position. That interview with Blitzer was a muddled talkover.
I think what people want to know is HOW he’ll accomplish these things. Those are great goals for a Republican president. He may have a plan that I haven’t heard. It’s great to want to lower taxes but HOW is he going to do that? One of my important issues is breaking the incestuous relationship between government & corporations. The palm greasing is destroying this country. That alone would help the economy. Does he discuss that? Does he have a plan for dealing with it?
When Sarah Palin was in Iowa she laid out a 5 point plan. It was specific and easy to understand. Cain’s 999 plan may have it’s problems but it’s specific. Every candidate says they’re going to “lower taxes”, “strengthen the border”, etc. But I don’t know Perry’s specific ideas for dealing with these things.
This isn’t to say he doesn’t have one, but it’s been muddled. Even when I was hoping Palin got in I knew what Cain’s plan was.
Cindie
You're way out of your league on FR.
You don’t get elected Governor of the most conservative state in the union
Oh brother.....that is a pile of crap. Texas is NOT the most conservative state in the union. That is ridiculous. I can’t wait for that proof. There are plenty of conservative states that are more so than Texas......South Carolina, Oklahoma, Alabama, Mississippi and many others. Texas might be in the top 15.....maybe.
Maybe you should watch that clip again. He could hardly have made it more clear that he is pro-life from conception to natural death and that he is against abortion in all cases even rape and incest and that it should not be legal. If you can't even understand that, please, don't vote.
HA...funny how everyone admires and loves what Dr. Wheeler writes but boy when it isn’t lining up with their agenda...what he writes suddenly becomes something easily disregarded. He’s only one of the top conservatives in this country. He calls it like he sees it.
Unless one is lying, this would not be considered “bull” in any way what-so-ever. And to think, this is only a part of all Governor Perry has done to protect our borders.
**********
Gov. Perry works with the 16-member Texas Border Sheriff’s Association to deter illegal immigration and prevent border-related crime - Creates ‘Operation Linebacker” - Awards $6 Million to Border Counties for Border Security (2005)
http://governor.state.tx.us/news/press-release/2558/
(Excerpt)
Gov. Rick Perry today announced the award of $6 million in grants to strengthen security along the Texas-Mexico border. The funds will support Operation Linebacker, an initiative developed by the 16-member Texas Border Sheriff’s Association to deter illegal immigration and prevent border-related crime.
(snip)
“There can be no homeland security without border security,” Perry said. “Operation Linebacker makes sense because it gives new tools and resources to local law enforcement, the experts in the unique security challenges of the border.” The Texas Border Sheriff’s Coalition, which will receive $120,000 in grant funds, will coordinate the effort and develop specialized security plans for the unique needs of each county.
(snip)
In October Perry released a comprehensive, six-point border security plan that featured Operation Linebacker and also called for expedited efforts to achieve radio communications interoperability in the region, improved information technology, bilateral emergency response exercises, and legislative measures to enhance border security.
(End of Excerpt)
***
Gov. Perry Implements and Leads Operation Border Star
http://www.texastribune.org/texas-mexico-border-news/operation-border-star/about/
Operation Border Star
(Excerpt)
Operation Border Star is the most current iteration of Gov. Rick Perry’s state-led border security operations.
Perry began awarding grants to border sheriffs in 2006 to help them buy equipment and pay officers overtime to patrol rural areas of the Texas-Mexico border between ports of entry. The goal of the program is to increase law enforcement presence and deter crime on the border.
The first effort was called Operation Linebacker, and border deputies were assigned to serve as a second line of defense for U.S. Border Patrol agents on the Rio Grande.
(snip)
Operation Border Star was launched in 2007. Local and state agencies were provided grant funds to pay officers overtime to beef up border patrols and to coordinate intelligence gathering about crime on the border. The local and state agencies also coordinate and share information with federal agencies.
(End of Excerpt)
***
Gov. Perry Expanding Operation Border Star – Sends Rangers, Guard to the Border (2009)
(Excerpt)
Gov. Rick Perry is expanding Operation Border Star, a multi-agency border security effort he launched in 2007, sending teams of Texas Rangers and National Guard troops to curb border crime and prevent spillover violence from Mexico.
“This is the latest in a series of aggressive actions we’ve taken to fill the gap left by the federal government’s ongoing failure to adequately secure our international border,” Perry announced in Houston.
He also reissued his call for the U.S. Department of Homeland Security to send more National Guard troops to the border and said he has sunk another $2 million into his border Web camera program.
(snip)
Perry also briefly noted that he had awarded another $2 million grant to operate surveillance cameras on the border.
The Tribune reported yesterday that Perry had made the $2 million award to the Texas Border Sheriffs Coalition despite documents that showed the camera program failed to meet nearly all of its law enforcement goals during the first full year it was operational.
Perry’s office argues that the camera program didn’t miss its goals but that the targets were improperly set at the outset of the first $2 million grant. The targets were revised after the first year; after the changes, they closely match that year’s actual results
(End of Excerpt)
***
Gov. Perry Announces Highly Skilled Ranger Recon Teams as Texas’ Latest Efforts to Enhance Border Security (2009)
http://governor.state.tx.us/news/press-release/13577/
(Excerpt)
In the absence of adequate federal resources to secure the state’s southern border, Gov. Rick Perry today announced the state’s latest border security enhancement using highly-skilled Ranger Reconnaissance (Ranger Recon) Teams to address the ever evolving threat along the Texas-Mexico border. He also repeated his call for Washington to approve the 1,000 Title 32 National Guard troops he has been requesting since January. Additionally, the governor announced the award of $2 million in state criminal justice funds to the Border Sheriff’s Coalition for continued utilization of video surveillance technology along the border.
“Texas’ proven border security strategy is based on putting boots on the ground and equipping those personnel with the technology, training and funding they need to stem the flow of contraband across our border. Deploying Ranger Recon Teams to high-traffic, high-crime areas along the border will enhance our efforts,” Gov. Perry said. “This is the latest in a series of aggressive actions we’ve taken to fill the gap left by the federal government’s ongoing failure to adequately secure our international border.”
Comprised of Texas Rangers and Texas National Guard Counterdrug forces, the Ranger Recon Teams are supported by the Operation Border Star Unified Command, including Texas sheriffs, Highway Patrol strike teams and Department of Public Safety aviation resources. This effort was launched in early August to address the increased burglaries of rural homes, ranches and hunting camps in remote areas along the Texas-Mexico border.
(End of Excerpt)
***
Governor Perry’s Letter to Barack Obama (2010)
http://governor.state.tx.us/files/press-office/080910_PerryObamaletter.pdf
***
Gov. Perry: Federal Government Must Take Action To Prevent Spillover Violence from Mexico Requests Predator Drones and National Guard Troops along Border (2010)
http://governor.state.tx.us/news/press-release/14341/
(Excerpt)
Last week, Gov. Perry sent a letter to U.S. Homeland Security Secretary Janet Napolitano requesting that the federal government utilize Unmanned Aircraft Systems, also known as predator drones, for missions over the Texas-Mexico border. This would provide an additional surveillance element, supplying valuable information to local, state and federal law enforcement along the border. Currently the three predator drones assigned to the southwest border are based in and operating exclusively in Arizona.
(snip)
Since January 2009, Gov. Perry has repeatedly urged the federal government, through letters to President Barack Obama, Secretary Janet Napolitano and Secretary of Defense Robert Gates, to approve his request for 1,000 Title 32 National Guardsmen to support civilian law enforcement efforts to enhance border security in Texas. While Washington continues to review this request, more Americans are at risk of falling victim to the increasing violence.
A porous border places Texas and the nation at risk from international terrorists, organized crime cartels and transnational gangs. Until the federal government fulfills its responsibility of securing our border, Texas will continue filling in the gaps by putting more boots on the ground, providing increased law enforcement resources and leveraging technology along the border.
In the absence of adequate federal resources to secure the state’s southern border, Gov. Perry launched the state’s recent border security enhancement using highly-skilled Ranger Reconnaissance (Ranger Recon) Teams to address the ever evolving threat along the Texas-Mexico border. Additionally, under the governor’s leadership, and thanks to action taken by the Legislature, the state has dedicated more than $110 million to border security efforts in each of the last two legislative sessions.
(End of Excerpt)
From: http://governor.state.tx.us/news/press-release/16250/
Gov. Perry Adds Sanctuary Cities to Special Session Call
Also adds Secure Communities and issuance of Texas driver license
Tuesday, June 07, 2011
Gov. Rick Perry announced the addition of legislation relating to the abolishment of sanctuary cities, the use of the federal Secure Communities program by law enforcement agencies, and the issuance of driver’s licenses and personal identification certificates to the special session call.
“Texas owes it to the brave law enforcement officials, who put their lives on the line every day to protect our families and communities, to give them the discretion they need to adequately do their jobs,” Gov. Perry said.
“Abolishing sanctuary cities in Texas, using the federal Secure Communities program and ensuring that only individuals who are here legally can obtain a valid Texas driver’s license sends a clear message that Texas will not turn a blind eye to those breaking our laws.”
***
From: http://governor.state.tx.us/news/press-release/16104/
Statement by Gov. Rick Perry on House Passage of House Bill 12
Tuesday, May 10, 2011
“I applaud members of the House for passing legislation that will ban sanctuary cities in Texas and commend Rep. Burt Solomons’ leadership on this issue, which will strengthen the discretion our law enforcement officers need to effectively protect Texans. I hope the Senate will take quick action on this important legislation.”
***
From: http://governor.state.tx.us/news/press-release/16335/
Statement by Gov. Rick Perry Regarding Sanctuary City Legislation
Tuesday, June 28, 2011
Gov. Rick Perry today released the following statement regarding sanctuary city legislation:
“As the special session appears to be winding down, I am disappointed the Legislature did not address sanctuary cities. Working with legislative leaders last weekend, we worked to include sanctuary city legislation in Senate Bill 1. Unfortunately, SB1 Conference Committee Chairman Robert Duncan ultimately refused to allow language related to the ban of sanctuary cities into the final version of Senate Bill 1. Because of this action, the special session will not provide our peace officers with the discretion they need to adequately keep Texans safe from those that would do them harm.”
Gov. Perry Takes a Major Step in Securing the Integrity of the Electoral Process
Signs legislation requiring voters to present photo ID at polling places
Friday, May 27, 2011
http://governor.state.tx.us/news/press-release/16189/
Gov. Rick Perry today ceremonially signed Senate Bill 14, which requires voters to present photo identification at a polling place. The governor was joined by Lt. Gov. David Dewhurst, House Speaker Joe Straus, Sen. Troy Fraser, Rep. Patricia Harless, and other state lawmakers for the signing ceremony.
“The right to vote is simply too important for us to take the act of voting lightly,” Gov. Perry said. “Today with the signing of this bill, we take a major step forward in securing the integrity of the ballot box and protecting the most cherished right we enjoy as citizens.”
Governor Rick Perry Implements Texas Radio Communications Interoperability Plan - for Enhanced Protection at Border Locations (2005 - 2006)
Gov. Perry Praises Progress of Statewide Radio Communications Capabilities (2007)
http://governor.state.tx.us/news/press-release/2258/
(Excerpt)
Gov. Rick Perry today praised the progress of the state’s radio communications capabilities. At the governor’s direction, local officials have worked with the state’s 24 regional councils of government to help Texas reach a key milestone in radio communications interoperability. Perry also reiterated his support for HB 13 and Rep. David Swinford’s effort to dedicate $100 million to Texas border security efforts.
One of the key recommendations of the 9/11 Commission is to ensure that when disaster strikes, first responders are able to communicate. A network of interoperable radio systems is a vital component to a swift, coordinated disaster response strategy. Two years ago, Perry set forth an ambitious priority objective to achieve level four radio interoperability throughout Texas by January 2007.
“Radio interoperability in Texas is particularly challenging because of its size and geographic diversity,”Perry said. “As a result of local leadership, I am proud to report to you today that Texas has achieved level four radio interoperability throughout the state, and in some areas, it is as high as level six.”
Level four radio interoperability allows fire fighters, emergency medical responders, police officers, deputy sheriffs and state troopers to go anywhere in the state and have immediate radio communications with each other using their own equipment on established channels.
“The importance of achieving this goal was demonstrated last year when first responders from around the state battled devastating wildfires and floods, and for the first time, were able to communicate with one another using their own radios to coordinate their efforts,”Perry said.
Perry also reiterated his support for HB 13 by Rep. Swinford which will increase border security funding by $100 million. Texas has launched several major border security operations, beginning with Operation Linebacker in 2005, Operation Rio Grande in 2006, and most recently and still ongoing, Operation Wrangler
(End of Excerpt)
***
See the Texas Radio Communications Interoperability Plan for Region 49 HERE:
http://www.region49.org/PDF/TRCIP.pdf
Governor’s Perry’s Homeland Security Plan for Texas, 2010 - 2015 (Published 2010)
A complete copy of the Texas Homeland Security Strategic Plan 2010-2015 can be found at:
http://www.governor.state.tx.us/files/press-office/TX-Homeland-Security-Strategic-Plan-2010-2015.pdf.
-
-
Background:
Gov. Perry Releases Texas Homeland Security Strategic Plan 2010-2015 (2010)
http://governor.state.tx.us/news/press-release/14608/
(Excerpt)
Gov. Rick Perry has released the Texas Homeland Security Strategic Plan 2010-2015, a strategic plan that will guide the state’s preparation, preparedness, response and recovery efforts for all types of threats over the next five years. The plan serves as a high-level roadmap to allow for adaption to evolving situations in an ever-changing threat environment.
“Texas faces a diverse array of challenges to our safety and security, requiring a unique approach to preparedness, response and recovery efforts,” Gov. Perry said. “This plan was developed with the input of state agencies, law enforcement and emergency management personnel that form the homeland security community in Texas, ensuring the most accurate assessment of the risks in our state and the best recommendations on how to address them.”
Over the last five years, Texas has: increased the scope and magnitude of its coordinated border security operations; committed more than $230 million to fund border security operations
(End of Excerpt)
He didn't say anything of the sort. He has always been a staunch supporter of the 2nd Amendment. He did agree with Scalia, Thomas and Alito that the states can put reasonable restrictions on 2nd Amendment rights, but maybe you disagree with these "liberals".
My problem with Perry is that he stumbles. We need a guy that can say what he believes. Perry is a dud so far.
Let’s rock.
The man was ACTIVELY WAGING WAR against the United States. He was involved in the Fort Hood Massacre.
After his treason, Benedict Arnold was made a Brigadier General by the British and Benedict Arnold led attacks against Virginia. By your reasoning, Benedict Arnold could not be shot while commanding an attack in Virginia .... only captured and brought to trial.
Imagine al Qaeda recruiting Muslim women in Detroit to give birth to children of al Qaeda operatives, have "anchor babies" and then take those "American" babies back to the Muslim world to be brought up as terrorists. In 19 years, you would have an entire battalion that can wage war against U.S. troops without fear of air-strikes.
"We're under fire. Request an air-strike at these coordinates!"
"Denied. That is the Abraham Lincoln al Qaeda Brigade. They cannot be legally killed. Only captured and brought to trial."
But, don't worry about it.
Whatever position you take, Herman Cain agrees with you.
======================
Cain, May 5, 2011, Regarding the killing of al-Qaeda terrorist Anwar al-Awlaki
"He should be charged. And since he's an American citizen, he should be tried in our courts," Cain said of al-Awlaki. When asked if he considered it legal for President Obama to order al-Awlaki killed, Cain said, "In his case, no, because he's an American citizen. If he's an American citizen, which is the big difference, then he should be charged, and he should be arrested and brought to justice."
======================
Cain, October, 2011, Regarding the killing of al-Qaeda terrorist Anwar al-Awlaki
"Asked why he had backed off his opposition to the U.S. military's targeting Anwar Awlaki, the al Qaeda terrorist and American citizen who was killed Friday by a drone strike in Yemen, Cain denied that he had ever opposed taking out Awlaki. “I never said that [President Obama] should not have ordered [the killing]. I don’t recall saying that. I think you’ve got some misinformation," Cain said. "Keep in mind that there are a lot of people out there trying to make me sound as if I am indecisive."
a lotta talk, what actually got accomplished?
Yes, it's called independent thought.
Notice how Freepers do the same thing to Ann Coulter or Rush Limbaugh.
I know Perry fans aren't capable of it, but trust me, it's well worth the effort.
Cheers!
Looks like the GOP has it set up that way... but they won’t get what they want this time around.
You forgot to add that Cain is a poo poo head.
So ... you're in front of the business end of an American GI's weapon, you're dead.
And actually, I have no problem with that. If these two scumbags had been killed as part of a larger action, or a pursuit; again, no problem.
What I have a problem with is the President issuing a kill order for an American citizen: not because I care about this piece of crap, but for my own sake.
Now, somebody on this thread has pointed out that according to the US Code, serving in a foreign military is de facto renunciation of one's citizenship... OK, I can also accept that, I guess, but the problem we come back to is -- who gets to decide? Does Barack 0bama get to decide that members, posters, or financial contributors to FRee Republic have de facto renounced their American citizenship?
You think it's far-fetched. Yes, it is today. By scraping these little bits of our liberty off when does it not get to be far fetched? Under what pretext does it not get to be far fetched?
I think if you will look at the history of Bill Ayers, Bernadine Dohrn, Van Jones, Jeremiah Wright, ... and about half of every poster at DU/Kos/HuffPo we would be herded into boxcars if they had their way -- and we did not have a 2nd Amendment. Do I need to point out that these are all friends and supporters of the current President of the United States?
Are things serious enough when thousands of loyal Japanese (and a handful of German) Americans are deprived of liberty without due process? It's happened. When a President of the United States (Woodrow Wilson) makes criticism of his war policy a seditious crime?
"The Constitution of the United States is not a suicide pact." Wise words. It's also not a technicality or a dead piece of paper.
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