I have to say that the Alien and Sedition Acts of 1798 are comparable to the new Obama NDAA legislation. Most of you are now aware of what NDAA is, but what of the Alien Sedition Acts?
The Alien and Sedition Acts were signed into law by John Adams. They were four bills passed in the aftermath of the French Revolution's reign of terror and during an undeclared naval war with France. (Sound familiar?) Basically the legislation was favored by the Federalist party, headed by John Adams. They were four seperate parts of the legislation.
1. Naturalization -- Extended the duration of residence required for aliens to become a citizen from 5 to 14 years.
2. Alien Act -- Authorized the President to deport resident aliens considered "dangerous to the peace and safety of the US".
3. The Alien Enemies Act -- Authorized the President to apprehend and deport resident aliens if their home countries were at war with the US.
4. Sedition Act -- Made it a crime to publish "false, scandalous, and malicious writing" against the government or certain public officials.
Many were tried and prosecuted under the law, including one Congressman Matthew Lyon from Vermont. He was indicted under the Sedition Act for an essay he had written in the Vermont Journal accusing the administration of "ridiculous pomp, foolish adulation, and selfish avarice". Sounds pretty harmless, eh? Well the case went to the Supreme Court and Lyon tried to fight the charges saying that the law was unconsitutional. His attempt failed, however, and he had to pay $1000 and spent 4 months in jail after the Federalist appointed judges sentenced him.
So much for the Supremes to uphold the Constitution.
So who came to the rescue? It was none other than Jefferson and the Democratic-Republicans who came riding to the rescue. In fact, I feel as though the whole affair helped destroy the Federalist party. Some even advocated a second Revolution to overthrow the Federalists as well as talk of secession.
Are there any Jefferson-like liberty loving people out their who can rescue us from the current Democrat/GOP Federalists? My guess is no. It is a different time, although the laws are similar and have similar reasons for being inacted. Both are a trade of liberty for "safety". However, at that time a nation had just been formed with a hard faught Revolution for freedom. Today, most are asleep at the wheel and would rather have government take care of them than they are worring about the government potentially violating their freedoms. After all, prioson provides them free meals and free shelter. In my opinion, the US populace has been lulled to sleep by the Nanny state and the dumbing down of the US population via the state run public schools. In addition, people of means and intellect, like Jefferson and company, are lacking. Most like him are more interested in the status quo in order to enhance their own aspirations. In fact, men like Jefferson spent a large part of their fortune fighting for the freedom of the populace.
Originally posted by whodeyRon Paul could be the Jefferson of today. Who else?
I have to say that the Alien and Sedition Acts of 1798 are comparable to the new Obama NDAA legislation. Most of you are now aware of what NDAA is, but what of the Alien Sedition Acts?
The Alien and Sedition Acts were signed into law by John Adams. They were four bills passed in the aftermath of the French Revolution's reign of terror and during an undec ...[text shortened]... Jefferson spent a large part of their fortune fighting for the freedom of the populace.
Originally posted by normbenignBut Ron Paul does not have the pull that Jefferson did. For one, Ron is not as young. Secondly, the charisma is not there. And lastly, Ron is trying to appeal to a populace that has been spoon fed the necessity of a centralized police state to prevent people from dying in the streets type of mentality.
Ron Paul could be the Jefferson of today. Who else?
Put a fork in it, the US is toast.
Originally posted by whodeyYes, the "centralized police state" is absolutely essential to provide some measure of social welfare.🙄
But Ron Paul does not have the pull that Jefferson did. For one, Ron is not as young. Secondly, the charisma is not there. And lastly, Ron is trying to appeal to a populace that has been spoon fed the necessity of a centralized police state to prevent people from dying in the streets type of mentality.
Put a fork in it, the US is toast.