Power and politics

If the legislation President Bush demanded passes as it is now worded, the Bill of Rights will be invalidated.

The legislation defines an enemy combatant as anyone "engaged in hostilities or who has purposefully and materially supported hostilities against the United States." How many times has this administration argued that dissent helps the terrorists? How often has the administration said, "you're either with us or against us?"

To suggest that this legislation is anything but a usurpation of the Constitution is absurd. How much more damage will this administration do?

Every time this administration attempts to expand its power the terrorists gain a victory. And one suspects that the real reason for pushing this through without reasoned debate is politically motivated. The Republicans risk losing control of one or both houses of Congress and need a way to attack the Democrats. Saying Democrats are weak on terrorism and using "no" votes on this legislation as proof, will be the rallying cry for Republicans in the coming weeks.

Sen. Arlen Specter, R-Penn., was a lone Republican voice opposing the President and is now being assailed all over talk radio. If it weren't for the Colorado hostage incident yesterday, he'd be all over the TV too.

The Republicans want us to be scared so they can keep power.