"Men in authority will always think that criticism of their policies is dangerous. They will always equate their policies with patriotism, & find criticism subversive."
Read the latest Executive Order that is meant to end all war protests in the U.S.: http://www.whitehouse.gov/news/releases/2007/07/20070717-3.html
Yet again, history repeats itself.
Update: August 13, 2007
I sent an e-mail to my Senator to express my outrage. I figure if other politicians realize that this can hit their campaign coffers, they may try to intervene. Below is my letter and Senator Salazar's (D-CO) response. I was hoping to be told that I could give money to the DNC and not risk losing my home, but no, I didn't get an definite answer and it scares me to death.
Dear Senator Salazar,
I have read, with great concern, an executive order signed by President Bush on July 17, 2007. I am referring to Executive Order: Blocking Property of Certain Persons Who Threaten Stabilization Efforts in Iraq.
On the surface, it appears to be an attempt to take away the financial assets of individuals who fund organizations that contribute to terrorist groups outside of the United States. This executive order is fairly vague and if broadly interpreted it could make it illegal to donate money to any organization and/or individual that opposes the war in Iraq as well as make it against the law to protest said war. The possible misapplication of this order is disconcerting to me as well as a number of other people (simply Google the title of the order and you will find a number of individuals confused and angry about it).
My question to you is this: under this order would an individual risk forfeiture of his or her assets if he or she decides to donate to the campaign of any Democratic nominee who has publicly stated that the war in Iraq should end?
Thank you for taking the time to read this letter. I look forward to your reply and feel fortunate that you are representing our State at such a crucial time in history.
I wish you the best of success.
Respectfully,
S.
Dear S.
Thank you for contacting me with regard to the recently issued executive order entitled "Blocking Property of Certain Persons Who Threaten Stabilization Efforts in Iraq." I appreciate hearing from you.
As you know, this order authorizes the Secretary of the Treasury – in consultation with the secretaries of defense and state – to freeze the assets of individuals deemed to have directly or indirectly supported insurgent operations which undermine the political and economic reconstruction of Iraq.
I share your concerns about the broad language contained in this order as to what constitutes “destabilizing Iraq.” As the Treasury Department develops rules and regulations to carry out this order, please rest assured that I will monitor the situation closely to ensure that the civil liberties of U.S. citizens who peacefully object to the Iraq war are protected.
Again, thank you for taking the time to share your views.
Sincerely,
Ken Salazar
United States Senator
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