More Proof That We Live in a Police State

By Brian Farmer
Published: 2006-12-14 16:20 Email this page | printer friendly version

ARTICLE SYNOPSIS:

After almost two years in jail, without access to a lawyer, family, or friends, Jose Padilla will finally be getting his day in court. But the psychological abuse Padilla suffered while in custody has rendered him incapable of assisting in his own defense, according to the psychiatrist who examined him.

Follow this link to the source article: "Why Did They Torture Jose Padilla?"

COMMENTARY:

Whether he is a terrorist or not, Jose Padilla is still an American citizen. The Sixth Amendment to the U.S. Constitution states, "In all criminal prosecutions, the accused shall have the right to a speedy and public trial...." The Eighth Amendment further states that no cruel and unusual punishments are to be inflicted. Clearly, Jose Padilla's constitutionally-protected rights have been violated.

Under the so-called "Patriot Act," the President can arbitrarily declare a person an "enemy combatant" and deprive that person of his rights.

The definition of a police state is "a political unit characterized by repressive government control of political economic, and social life, usually by an arbitrary exercise of power in place of regular operation of administrative and judicial organs of the government according to publicly known legal procedures."

If it looks like a duck, walks like a duck, and talks like a duck...

BrianFarmer.jpg
Brian Farmer