On Thursday, February 23, 2012, the Tenth Amendment Center, in partnership with the Bill of Rights Defense Committee and Demand Progress, held a joint media conference to brief journalists about national momentum against NDAA detention powers. The following is what was introduced at the start of that conference:
My name is Blake Filippi. As the director of the Rhode Island Liberty Coalition, I was honored when the Tenth Amendment Center reached out to me wanting to work together to expand our project to nullify the unconstitutional new kidnapping powers that the NDAA purports to authorize.
On this issue today, we are united as one, and I’m proud to present our joint position to you.
Do you consider the use of the word “kidnapping” to be just hyperbole? We don’t think so. When you remove due process from the equation – arrest and “indefinite detention” become nothing more than government-sanctioned kidnapping. This is repugnant to our values and traditions, and Americans know it. We may suffer from frequent bouts of apathy, but when something like the NDAA strikes at the very heart of who we are, Americans stand up and say NO!
In the spirit of one of America’s greatest patriots, we are working hard to urge state and local legislators to do their duty – they must stand up for the Bill of Rights against all comers. When the great Rosa Parks refused to move to the back of the bus she showed us how to deal with laws that are unconstitutional, immoral – and unjust. Today, when people in their states and communities stand up and say NO to unconstitutional federal kidnapping powers – they are following Rosa’s example.
We couldn’t be more proud to oppose the NDAA with our coalition partners – The Bill of Rights Defense Committee and Demand Progress. Like a family, our organizations know when it’s time to set aside differences and work together in support of a great cause.
That cause is liberty. And that time is now.
Thank you.
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