Theft of our basic rights

"Being ignorant is not so much a shame as being unwilling to learn." -- Benjamin Franklin

In response to Professor Wayne H. Bowen's article concerning NDAA, I must say that it is always alarming to me when such compliance to the legal theft of our basic human and civil rights comes from someone so highly educated -- a professor of history, no less. History proves that these kinds of laws inevitably lead to abuse of power, resulting in tyranny and injustice.

President Obama said: "The legislation does nothing more than confirm authorities that the federal courts have recognized as lawful under the 2001 AUMF. I want to clarify that my administration will not authorize the indefinite military detention without trial of American citizens. My administration will interpret section 1021 in a manner that ensures that any detention it authorizes complies with the Constitution, the laws of war, and all other applicable law."

Our president tells us that he has the power to detain American citizens but that he won't use it. Well, maybe he won't, and gee, wouldn't that be swell, but what does that mean for any future president? Will he or she act with the same benevolence?

Sorry professor, I don't accept your weak assurances. I will maintain my trust in the intelligent and sage advice of one of our history's greatest founding fathers:

"They who can give up essential liberty to obtain a little temporary safety deserve neither liberty nor safety." -- Benjamin Franklin

JEANNIE HINCK, member of the Cape County Tea Party Steering Committee, Cape Girardeau