Kucinich Keeping A Keen Eye On Them!

Just a short post for a Friday night, but really wanted this to be seen.

Apparently, Dennis Kucinich was on WINZ Radio this morning and said in reading through the 2008 Defense Authorization Bill, he noticed language that would authorize use of U.S. Military for Domestic Purposes:

DETERMINATION OF DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE CIVIL SUPPORT REQUIREMENTS

(a) DETERMINATION OF REQUIREMENTS---- The Secretary of Defense shall determine the military-unique capabilities needed to be provided by the Department of Defense to support civil authorities in an incident of national significance or a catastrophic incident.

(b) PLAN FOR FUNDING CAPABILITIES---

(1) PLAN----The Secretary of Defense shall develop and implement a plan, in coordination with the Secretaries of the military departments and the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, for providing the funds and resources necessary to develop and maintain the following:

(A) The military-unique capabilities determined under subsection (a).

(B) Any additional capabilities determined by the Secretary to be necessary to support the use of the active components and the reserve components of the armed forces for homeland defense missions, domestic emergency responses, and providing military support to civil authorities.

(2) TERM OF PLAN---- The plan required under paragraph (1) shall cover at least five years.

According to Seafan who reported it, Kucinich said:

that this language jumped off the page at him and that he was very concerned that people learn about this provision that would authorize domestic operations for the US military.

Thanks to Seafan for pointing it out. I'll try to find out more. Please do the same.

Kucinich also sent a letter today to House Judiciary Chairman, John Conyers, to "urge timely consideration" of the impeachment resolution; particularly in light of recent reports of Cheney shaping intelligence and "stifling dissent" regarding Iran:

Dear Chairman Conyers

I am writing in support of H. Res. 799, the Articles of Impeachment which were referred to the committee relative to the Impeachment of the Vice President of the United States of America.

Recent reports indicate that the Vice President is attempting to shape the National Intelligence Estimate on Iran to conform to his misperceptions about the threat Iran actually poses. Much like his deceptive efforts in the lead up to the Iraq war, the Vice President appears to be manipulating intelligence to conform to his beliefs.

If the reports are true, they add additional weight to the case for impeachment. I believe impeachment remains the only tool Congress has to prevent a war in Iran. This information relates directly to the Article III charges in the resolution. I urge your timely consideration.

Kucinich proves again and again, his remarkable committment to protecting this country and his duty to public service. Please the support this man!