In case you missed it, this exceptionally frightening exchange between Senator Paul and Senator McCain began after Senator Paul spoke in opposition to Section 1031, which would allow the indefinite detention of American citizens.
{11:00:54 NSP} (MR. PAUL) { NOT AN OFFICIAL TRANSCRIPT }
MR. PAUL: MY QUESTION WOULD BE UNDER THE PROVISIONS, WOULD IT
BE POSSIBLE THAT AN AMERICAN CITIZEN COULD BE DECLARED AN ENEMY
COMBATANT AND SENT TO GUANTANAMO BAY AND DETAINED INDEFINITELY?
{11:01:05 NSP} (MR. McCAIN) { NOT AN OFFICIAL TRANSCRIPT }
MR. McCAIN: I THINK THAT AS LONG AS THAT INDIVIDUAL, NO MATTER
WHO THEY ARE, IF THEY POSE A THREAT TO THE SECURITY OF THE
UNITED STATES OF AMERICA SHOULD NOT BE ALLOWED TO CONTINUE THAT
THREAT. AND I THINK THAT'S THE MAJORITY OF AMERICAN PUBLIC
OPINION, ESPECIALLY IN LIGHT OF THE FACTS THAT I CONTINUE TO
REPEAT TO THE SENATOR FROM KENTUCKY. 27% OF DETAINEES WHO WERE
RELEASED GOT BACK IN THE FIGHT AND WERE RESPONSIBLE FOR THE
DEATHS OF AMERICANS. WE NEED TO TAKE EVERY STEP NECESSARY TO
PREVENT THAT FROM HAPPENING. THAT'S FOR THE SAFETY AND SECURITY
OF THE MEN AND WOMEN WHO ARE OUT THERE PUTTING THEIR LIVES ON
THE LINE IN OUR ARMED SERVICES. MR. PRESIDENT, I SUGGEST THE
ABSENCE OF A QUORUM. I YIELD THE FLOOR.
Senator McCain's amazingly bold disregard for the rule of law, due process, and the Constitution should surprise no one. Yet it is important to keep in mind during this debate that Senators McCain, Graham, Levin, and others are seeking to change the entire American legal structure in regards to fundamental Constitutional principles.
The detainee provisions of S. 1867 must be stricken from the National Defense Authorization Act. Contact your senators today at 202-224-3121 and tell them to vote YES on Senator Paul's Senate Amendment 1062 and any other amendment to strike the detainee provisions contained in S. 1867.
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