We could be heading that direction in the States. The proposed Domestic Security Enhancement Act of 2003, a.k.a. “Patriot Act II”, would grant the government sweeping new powers for surveillance, wiretapping, detention and criminal prosecution. Court appointed limits on police infiltration and disruption of dissident political groups would be terminated, and the government would be exempted from disclosing information on individuals detained in terrorism investigations; in other words, as the Bush Administration's "you're with us or with the enemy" mentality seeps down into the domestic arena and dissent becomes increasingly equated with terrorism, it will be easier to "disappear" political opponents.
Despite the risks, dissent is on the rise and from some unexpected sources. In the U.K., an unprecedented 20% of reservists called up for military action have either ignored the order or claimed exemption. Stateside, a group of soldiers, parents of soldiers and Congress members have filed a lawsuit challenging the authority of George W. Bush to launch a military invasion of Iraq without a congressional declaration. Similarly, a bill making its way through the House of Representatives (House Joint Resolution 20) would repeal Bush's authorization to use force against Iraq. Over 120 cities in the U.S. have passed resolutions against a war in Iraq.
Despite the risks, dissent is on the rise and from some unexpected sources. In the U.K., an unprecedented 20% of reservists called up for military action have either ignored the order or claimed exemption. Stateside, a group of soldiers, parents of soldiers and Congress members have filed a lawsuit challenging the authority of George W. Bush to launch a military invasion of Iraq without a congressional declaration. Similarly, a bill making its way through the House of Representatives (House Joint Resolution 20) would repeal Bush's authorization to use force against Iraq. Over 120 cities in the U.S. have passed resolutions against a war in Iraq.