So Sue Me! If You Can

Back in 2006, Israel's Supreme Court ruled that except for "acts of war," Palestinians who have suffered damage due to military action are entitled to file damage suits in Israeli courts.

For years Israel has been responsible for bulldozing private homes, targeted and random killings, blocking access of humanitarian aid in hundreds or possibly thousands of cases many of which could lead to costly litigation. Many such suits have already been filed.

So what is Israel to do? No problem. Litigants are simply prevented from crossing the Israeli border to present their case. Not that Israeli forces have any intention of impairing the legal rights of Palestinians, it's all a matter of "security."

Security is a wonderful word; it can justify almost anything. Here in the United States, security has been used to justify many things which were once thought to be prohibited by our Constitution.

We have just seen a widespread protest movement shut down by force in cities across the country. What a coincidence. Police in riot gear appeared simultaneously in each of these cities, forcibly ejected protestors and trashed their personal property.

Of  course we support freedom of speech and assembly, but these gatherings are threaten our security. Don't they?

Our government is still trying to capture an individual who had the temerity to publish documents that exposed wrongdoing by diplomats and other government officials. Sure we support press freedom, but isn't this a matter of security?

Then there are those who have been waiting for a speedy trial for nearly ten years. They can't have that trial because it would be a threat to national security.

And don't forget the "right of the people to be secure in their persons, houses, papers, and effects against unreasonable searches and seizures."

But  our President must retain the right to kill any of us if he deems our death will promote national security.  Not to worry. He's only done that to a Muslim American so far. Do I have to add that it was in the interests of national security?

Have you noticed something? The security they refer to is not the security of the people. That was guaranteed by the 4th Amendment to our Constitution.

The new security is the security of the state, also known as the homeland. Think back. Before 9/11 did you ever hear the word "homeland" in everyday conversation?

Now. a decade later, every time we hear of security, innocents are dying. This week it was 24 Pakistani soldiers. Who will die next week for the worship of the false god of security?