"The exceedingly important question before us is whether the President of the United States possesses the authority to detain militarily a citizen of this country [Jose Padillia]who is closely associated with al Qaeda, an entity with which the United States is at war. We conclude that the President does possess such authority."I think it's time to recognize the following things.
1) The administration hasn't proved that Padillia is associated with al Queda. He's been imprisoned on the government's say so: no charges have been filed , and Padillia still have not been given the opportunity to defend himself in court.
2) There's no good reason to deny Padillia an indictment and a trial. He's an American citizen.
3) Michael Luttig should have recused himself from this case. He's on everyone's short list to get O'Conners seat. Can we really expect him to be able to evaluate the president's authority without prejudice?
4) If they can do it to Padilla, they can do it to you.