POLICE STATE: The Treasonous Times

From The New York Times editorial on September 12, 2001: “Americans must rethink how to safeguard the country without bartering away the rights and privileges of the free society that we are defending. The temptation will be great in the days ahead to write draconian new laws that give law enforcement agencies – or even military forces – a right to undermine the civil liberties that shape the character of the United States.”

A haunting proclamation, and five years hence, draconian indeed.

After the Times revealed another secret surveillance program of the federal government, President Bush and Vice-President came out swinging. They called the paper of record “disgraceful” and, as has oft been said of dissenters, the report would only aid the terrorists. The House of Representatives approved a resolution damning the paper. Congressmen have called for official charges of treason. Virulent comics (see image at right) are igniting e-mail lists like wildfire. A group protested outside the paper’s 43rd Street offices, Osama bin Laden impersonators and all.

Lest we forget, Henry VIII abused the law of treason (“the crime of betraying one’s country”) to silence those critical of his many marriages. ‘Tis the only crime named in the Constitution as “in adhering to their enemies, giving them aid and comfort.” The Times article as comfort to the enemy? Phooey.

That the administration has for long been tracking terrorist financing has been known for quite a while. This is no surprise to any terrorist organization. However, what's new is the scapegoating of the country's (if not the world's) most respected and venerable daily newspaper. What's dangerous is the nearby slippery slope when we're facing a faceless, nationless enemy, because, following a strict logic, if the enemy can be anywhere, then so can the traitors.