The terrorist threat

"The power of the executive to cast a man into prison without formulating
any charge known to the law, and particularly to deny him the judgment of his peers, is in the highest degree odious, and the foundation of all totalitarian government whether Nazi or Communist."

Winston Churchill

Jose Padilla is an American citizen who was arrested and "charged" with being an enemy combatant who intended to set off a dirty bomb, after which he was thrown in a military brig, in solitary confinement for 3.5 years. No representation, no day in court, no criminal charges.

Padilla may not inspire much empathy, but if one Amcit can be treated this way, any other one can as well. All it takes is a declaration by Bush/Cheney/Gonzales/who knows? that the person in question is a terrorist/enemy combatant.

Padilla has now been transferred to civilian courts in Florida. No mention of terrorism, dirty bombs, enemy combatant.

Bush/Cheney and company protecting us.

TM