I am deeply disappointed that President Obama signed the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) that includes provisions allowing the indefinite detention of American citizens with the President's permission. This means that if he (or any future president) determines you are suspected of terrorism, you can be held without a trial, without a lawyer, without access to the courts at all, indefinitely.
While the President added a signing statement that indicated he would not use this authority on American citizens, it is still up to him and future presidents to decide.
I wish he had vetoed it, but now we must work to overturn it.
Our ability to secure a civilian trial and have a fair and impartial jury is one of the most fundamental tenets of America. No citizen should be denied this right under any circumstances. Even when the President chooses.
One of my goals in Congress is to change this law.
There are certain issues that are bi-partisan. They are American issues - with massive implications for Democrats and Republicans alike. Interestingly, this is one of the few areas where many progressive Democrats and the Tea Party followers happen to agree.
When the stakes are so high, and so much money in contributions at stake, there is a lot of pressure to play it safe and fall in line.
I won't do that. When the GOP has it wrong, I'm going to say so. When Democrats have it wrong, I'm going to do the same.
We MUST re-elect President Obama, but we must also work to correct this mistake.
We must change the law: No indefinite detention of American citizens.
If you agree, please sign this petition at www.NoIndefiniteDetention.com.
On February 1st, we will deliver these names to the President and the leadership of both the House and Senate.
Thank you for your support.
Patrick Erin Murphy, CPA
Democrat
Florida CD 22 against Allen West