The question in the title is double sided. One side is are we willing to sit down and speak about this issue. The other part, which is part of the question, involves whether we will be allowed to have the discussion much longer. Both the censors of the media and the coming police state will tell us, “No.”
We as a nation really need to have a serious discussion about treason. We need to define it and apply the charge where necessary. I wonder if we are capable to have such a discussion. I wonder if we will be allowed to have such a discussion.
First, we need to look at what the Constitution says about treason. We find that it is defined by the Founders.
Article III, Sect. 3.
1. Treason against the United States shall consist only in levying war against them, or in adhering to their enemies, giving them aid and comfort. No person shall be convicted of treason unless on the testimony of two witnesses to the same overt act, or on confession in open court.You would think that would be clear but it isn’t to some people. We need to spend a few moments looking at the words and their meanings.
Notice the phrase “levying war against them”. Who is the “them” being talked about? Back up a little and you find that it is referring to the states that make up our union. Can you make war against a few states at a time?
What does it mean to “levy war”? We talk about the Cold War that existed between the Soviet Union and the United States. It was not a shooting war but shooting went on. It was primarily waged by clandestine actions. Some were physical. Most were in the form of propaganda, spying, sabotage, under cover political action and anything else that could weaken the country. Do any of these types of actions fit any groups or individuals in our country? And as far as physical violence, what do you call the riots of the past year, the coercion used by the DOJ against anyone who speaks their mind and recently mobilization of the National Guard in response to what was little more than trespass. In the face of no real physical insurrection the reports are that the Guard has been authorized to use deadly force. Against Americans? That seems strangely close to levying war.
To be continued...
homo unius libri
If government would convict for simple crimes, the word treason would rarely come up.
ReplyDeleteWe would also be minus a few government employees. That might help the unemployment figures.
DeleteGrace and peace.