No law should be acceptable to a citizen of this nation because they trust that the current leadership will not abuse it.
The law must be written such that the worst abuser of the rights of the citizenry cannot use that law to impose a restriction of our rights that is not permitted by the Constitution.
What was in the language of the remainder of the law that was so important, that a vote to hold citizens without trial indefinitely is an acceptable compromise?
Why was this law needed in this appropriations bill?
The answer is simple and frightening. All those who voted for it, wanted it there.
Is this a road we want to travel?
This is a mistake of the most grievous kind, whether you are conservative, liberal, socialist, nationalist, Republican, Independent, or Democrat.
And none of the candidates for office have said a word about it.
We have lost the ability to even recognize the demolition of our rights.
God help my children and future generations, who have given away so much, purchased so dearly, without comment, objection, or even notice.
Where does it say unambiguously that US citizens can be held without trial ? This is the direct text with regards to US citizens :
(d) CONSTRUCTION.—Nothing in this section is intended to limit or expand the authority of the President or the scope of the Authorization for Use of Military Force.
(e) AUTHORITIES.—Nothing in this section shall be construed to affect existing law or authorities relating to the detention of United States citizens, lawful resident aliens of the United States, or any other persons who are captured or arrested in the United States.
Amen