Executive branch too powerful

A word about the National Defense Authorization Act: In middle school, I was taught that there are three equal branches of federal government. I wonder if the Education Department will start informing our youngsters that the executive branch now holds all the cards.

It can imprison an American on American soil, without indictment, due process or sentence. Never mind a trial by jury. So much for judicial review and juries of peers. In a nutshell, NDAA can never be overturned because a judge or jury will never hear it. NDAA is here to stay. Sinister genius, you have to admit.

The legislative branch effectively nullified a block of its own powers by simple fact that it is Congress’ responsibility to make law, and now our elected legislators have no power to decide on what charges a person can be imprisoned. Congress has no real power when it comes to armed conflict, either. Congress and the judiciary now hold ceremonial roles.

The worst losers with NDAA are the people. Our greatest power, the jury, is no longer a right, and guaranteed. Woe to us as that loss inevitably extends to all proceedings.

We can now officially put a fork in the Constitution. Enjoy!

Kristopher Lummus

Naples, Idaho