What are the tools necessary to create a tyrannical state? Three simple tools:
- The ability to designate anyone as an "Enemy of the State." This first power is the most important as it enables the State to move freely against those it considers a threat to its survival.
- The ability to do whatever it wishes with said enemies.
- Lack of real any real limits on the power of the State.
And as soon as the Torture bill gets approved, the Dick Cheney's dream of an Imperial Presidency will become a reality. The executive already has the ability to designate anyone,
including American citizens, as "enemy combatants." Further it can do whatever it pleases with them. It can incarcerate them indefinitely, torture them, or simply make them disappeare. And last, but not least,
the Senate or the Supreme Court
will not stand in the way of the power of the "
Unitary Executive" to do as it damn well pleases.
The Republic is dead, long live the Empire!