The madness that passes for government approaches what one finds in a totalitarian state. We are not there yet, but we getting close and there are no signs that the descent is slowing.

By Monty Pelerin

 

The devolution of our government toward barbarism and totalitarianism is frightening. The country has long left the intent of government of the people. It has become a ruling elite who believe the people exist to support them.  The madness that passes for government approaches what one finds in a totalitarian state. We are not there yet, but we getting close and there are no signs that the descent is slowing.

This chilling description by Judge Anthony Napolitano is an example of how far we have deviated from founding principles:

The leader of the government regularly sits down with his senior generals and spies and advisers and reviews a list of the people they want him to authorize their agents to kill. They do this every Tuesday morning when the leader is in town. The leader once condemned any practice even close to this, but now relishes the killing because he has convinced himself that it is a sane and sterile way to keep his country safe and himself in power. The leader, who is running for re-election, even invited his campaign manager to join the group that decides whom to kill.

This description and Judge Napolitano’s article deals with drones used overseas to combat terrorism. According to the Judge, President Obama has not met legal requirements for these actions:

Obama has argued that his careful consideration of each person he orders killed and the narrow use of deadly force are an adequate and constitutional substitute for due process. The Constitution provides for no such thing. He has also argued that the use of drones to do his killing is humane since they are “surgical” and only kill their targets. We know that is incorrect. And he has argued that these killings are consistent with our values. What is he talking about? The essence of our values is the rule of law, not the rule of presidents.

The rule of law has been replaced by the rule of expediency or the rule of man. Decisions are made without regard to law. Wars are fought without being declared. Men are targeted and killed without legal authority. Contractual and property rights are increasingly abrogated. The highest ranking Law Officer, Eric Holder, is a disgrace choosing to selectively enforce laws of the nation. Corruption is rampant. Does any of this sound like America as intended by our Founding Fathers?

President Obama did not start the trend toward the rule of man. President Bush and predecessors in the White House and in Congress moved us away from the rule of law at various times and to varying extents. The line of culpable figures is lengthy. Obama is the beneficiary of prior violations, making it easier for him to extend the lawlessness.

Republicans are up in arms (justifiably so) against Obama and his abuses of power. Liberals were just as outraged (justifiably so) against Bush’s abuses of power. Both are wrong thinking that it is OK when their man abuses power but not the other side. It is always wrong. There are no perfect men, regardless of how trustworthy or well-intentioned. Power corrupts everyone.

How much of a reach is it to use drones inside this country? Without the rule of law, it is only a question of time. Everything is in place to employ the same tool against “domestic enemies of the State.” Drones have already been spotted flying over cities in this country. Only the lethal use against citizens has not occurred — YET!

Is this going to happen here? It could. The point is that the means are in place and legal restrictions mean little anymore. If there were to be civil unrest (which surely is coming as a result of the inevitable economic collapse/austerity), there is little to prevent such actions. After all, there is precedent and all that need be done is to declare a national emergency. All of this would be done, of course, under the guise of protecting the nation and its people.

That rationale would be standard political balderdash! Everything is sold on the basis of saving the country. In reality everything done is for the good of the political class and such action would be taken to save the political class.  When their power is threatened, they will do whatever necessary to protect and retain their positions.

The following short video, sent by a reader, outlines the absurdity of where we are headed unless government oppression is not reversed: http://www.youtube.com/watch_popup?v=-LIpAxjPt9U

 

 

 

“Monty Pelerin” is a pseudonym derived from The Mont Pelerin Society. The writer has no connection with the Society (other than coincidence of philosophy). Nothing said by me should be considered to be representative of the views of the Mont Pelerin Society or any of its members. “Monty Pelerin”  blogs at Monty Pelerin’s World

Help Make A Difference By Sharing These Articles On Facebook, Twitter And Elsewhere:

• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 

Interested In Further Reading? Click Here