I'm inclined to side with the President on this matter, in spite of
assurances the bill will not limit our freedoms. Here's why: Gawd help us under another president like Bush traipsing all over our freedoms using this amendment to the DAB as his justification.
Levin and other backers of the provision believe the administration’s concerns are overblown. The bill underwent several changes since the provision was first crafted last September, and proponents argue that the White House’s primary concerns have all been addressed. In a floor statement Thursday, Levin noted that Obama would retain the ability to determine whether suspects remain in civilian custody or be transferred to the military, as well as whether they’d be charged in civilian courts or before a military commission. The lawmaker said the provision expressly allows the FBI or other civilian agencies to continue ongoing probes or interrogations. And he said the language excludes all U.S. citizens and immigrants in the country legally.
