To: Rep. Pramila Jayapal (WA-7)
A Safety Net for a Worst Case Scenario
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Congressman McDermott,
I request that you introduce legislation prohibiting the relocation of American citizens from their state or territory of residence, if and when they are interned (or the prevailing circumlocution) without the processes set out by the Constitution of the United States of America.
I request that you introduce legislation prohibiting the relocation of American citizens from their state or territory of residence, if and when they are interned (or the prevailing circumlocution) without the processes set out by the Constitution of the United States of America.
Why is this important?
I am quite serious about this and I hope that the following will clarify my choices and concerns:
Why Congressman McDermott?
First of all, he is my Congressman. In a grander sense, he is also the Congressman of many of those who feel that their elected representative does not speak for them. He has always spoken his mind without fear, often leaving him a lone voice in the wilderness. In short, I think he may be one of the very few members of Congress who would have the courage to introduce this legislation.
Why pre-emptive legislation?
Yes, the chances are good that legislation of this nature will be circumvented to some degree. But having these limitations already in place will at the very least require that they are acknowledged, even if they are completely evaded.
On being interned close to home
Ideally, I’d prefer that my concentration camp be within the confines of my Congressional District for a variety of reasons. I know where they sent people last time, and I have no doubt that some pretty grim locations can be found in this state; but at least when I escape, I’ll never be more than a few weeks walk from home. Contemplating the rumors (I wouldn’t argue too much if you were to call them wild and/or unfounded) of massive federal compounds in the Deep South, ready and waiting for an instant influx of hundreds of thousands of residents, is disturbing enough. If we find out they are real, it will only be after their first inhabitants have already been transferred there; in other words, after it’s too late.
What would trigger this limitation?
When citizens (ideally, residents) are required or coerced to move to a secured location against their will and/or better judgement, and without the due process set out by the Constitution of the United States of America. “Without due process” is when due process is suspended, delayed or denied. The reason given for the mass relocation is immaterial; protecting the internees from the (justifiably) angry general populace is invariably one of the first used. A final caveat, internees will be the only arbiter of their Congressional District or territory of residency.
Why Congressman McDermott?
First of all, he is my Congressman. In a grander sense, he is also the Congressman of many of those who feel that their elected representative does not speak for them. He has always spoken his mind without fear, often leaving him a lone voice in the wilderness. In short, I think he may be one of the very few members of Congress who would have the courage to introduce this legislation.
Why pre-emptive legislation?
Yes, the chances are good that legislation of this nature will be circumvented to some degree. But having these limitations already in place will at the very least require that they are acknowledged, even if they are completely evaded.
On being interned close to home
Ideally, I’d prefer that my concentration camp be within the confines of my Congressional District for a variety of reasons. I know where they sent people last time, and I have no doubt that some pretty grim locations can be found in this state; but at least when I escape, I’ll never be more than a few weeks walk from home. Contemplating the rumors (I wouldn’t argue too much if you were to call them wild and/or unfounded) of massive federal compounds in the Deep South, ready and waiting for an instant influx of hundreds of thousands of residents, is disturbing enough. If we find out they are real, it will only be after their first inhabitants have already been transferred there; in other words, after it’s too late.
What would trigger this limitation?
When citizens (ideally, residents) are required or coerced to move to a secured location against their will and/or better judgement, and without the due process set out by the Constitution of the United States of America. “Without due process” is when due process is suspended, delayed or denied. The reason given for the mass relocation is immaterial; protecting the internees from the (justifiably) angry general populace is invariably one of the first used. A final caveat, internees will be the only arbiter of their Congressional District or territory of residency.