Executive Order Overturns US Fifth Amendment

RalphTWaP writes "Tuesday, there wasn't even a fuss. Wednesday, the world was a little different. By executive order, the Secretary of the Treasury may now seize the property of any person who undermines efforts to promote economic reconstruction and political reform in Iraq. The Secretary may make his determination in secret and after the fact." There hasn't been much media notice of this; the UK's Guardian has an article explaining how the new authority will only be used to go after terrorists.

Hello!

[fredrated]

America! Are you still there?

Re:There it goes

[91degrees]

Ah don't worry. We've still got a couple of rights left over. Somewhere.

I think I left one around here anyway.

Re:Inflammatory misleading headline

[Anonymous Coward]

I think you just owned him.

Re:Inflammatory misleading headline

[Himring]

The Founding Fathers thought those rights were vital for a functioning democracy... and they had been through an actual war on U.S. soil. I'm inclined to trust their judgement on what we can 'afford'.

Yea, but they were old guys, and lived way back, so what they say doesn't really matter. Plus they never saw star wars or used the internet. You can't really know much without that....

Re:Hello!

[tool462]

The Secretary of the Treasury has determined that Americans (well, ~70% of them anyway) are attempting to undermine the economic and political reformation in Iraq. As a result, America has been seized. Thank you, and have a nice day.

Re:Inflammatory misleading headline

[Impy the Impiuos Imp]

No, it can't be just a ruse. They actually have to intend that you might, in theory, get it back someday.

That, without oversight via courts, or laws, there is no way to force them to ever, ever look at the issue again, is irrelevant.

I, for one, welcome our new honest, no rusing overlords.

Re:Two important points that prove Slashdot != dig

[Orange Crush]

On digg the comments would be, "BUSH TEH DEVIL hax his internets."

Actually the comments on digg are more along the lines of "OMG! What does it take for congress to impeach Bush & Co!?!?! Sign my online petition to get the ball rolling!! I'm so voting for Ron Paul. He's the only one who will restore the constitution!"

Buried as innacurate.

Re:Inflammatory misleading headline

[Gilmoure]

Naw, BushCo love freedom for all citizens. Now, just have to redefine what a citizen is...