How Would a Patriot Act?: Defending American Values from a President Run AmokGlenn Greenwald was not a political man — neither liberal nor conservative. To him, the U.S. was generally on track and would remain forever centrist. But all that has changed. Over the past five years, a creeping extremism has taken hold of our federal government, which threatens to alter our system of governing ourselves and our national character. This extremism is neither liberal nor conservative, but is driven by the Bush administration's radical theories of executive power. Greenwald writes that we cannot abide these unlimited and unchecked presidential powers if we are to remain a constitutional republic. Because when you answer to no one, you're not a president — you're a despot. This is one man's story of being galvanized into action to defend his country, and his concise and penetrating analysis of what is at stake for America when its president has secretly bestowed upon himself the powers of a king. From 9/11 to the question of nuclear war in Iran, Greenwald shows how Bush's claims of unlimited power play out. In the spirit of the colonists who once mustered the strength to denounce a king, Greenwald asks: how would a patriot act today? |
Common terms and phrases
abuses Al Qaeda Alberto Gonzales amended FISA American citizens argued asserted Attorney believe blog break the law Bush administration Bush administration's Bush's charges Church Committee citizens on U.S. civil claim commander in chief Congress congressional conservative Constitution crime criminal danger debate defend Democrats Dick Cheney eavesdrop on Americans eavesdropping powers eavesdropping program enacted enemy combatant engage fear federal Federalist FISA court founders George Bush Glenn Greenwald Gonzales Greenwald Hamdi illegal eavesdropping imprisoned investigation Iraq issues John Yoo judicial oversight Justice Department lawbreaking legislation liberties ment military force National Security Agency NSA eavesdropping officials Padilla PATRIOT Act political pres President Bush presidential power principles Qaeda repeatedly reported Republican seize Senate September 11 Soviet spying statutes Supreme Court system of government terrorism terrorist attacks threat tion torture U.S. citizens U.S. Constitution U.S. soil unchecked United vote warrant warrantless eavesdropping waterboarding Watergate Watergate scandal White House