Habeas Corpus Is A Corpse

It's a sure sign of the times that we would lose something that has been in existence since the 1300's, and has always served to protect us from the sheer barbarism of arbitrary detainment. I'm not here wondering why, as it has become clear that our elected officials will do anything to keep from having their feet held to the meat grinder. Rep. Mark Foley can tell you all about that. Blackmail is a swell trick for keeping folks in line, and it's a lot less messy than plane crashes. The next time you hear about a legislator suddenly stepping down to "spend more time with the family", you can know that they've been thrown under the bus for not playing along. That plain brown envelope arrives, and they're calling a press conference the very next day.

The pod people will say that you have nothing to fear from the absence of habeas corpus if you aren't doing anything wrong. Defining "wrong" is going to be a tricky matter from here on out, though, and it will certainly be a matter of perspective. If opposing Bush is wrong, then I don't want to be right. But, neither do I relish the thought of being waterboarded, so I'm wondering if it isn't about time to, um, stock up. Top a da woild, Ma. Know what I'm saying? The best thing, of course, is to set sight on a different shore, but not everyone has that opportunity. If you can't take the stand, then it's time to take a stand. The mock in democracy has been thoroughly emphasized, and we are left to try to pick up the pieces. Good luck.