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No Greater Threat: America After September 11 and the Rise of a National Security State
Includes review and analysis Homeland Security Act, "PATRIOT Act II," Intelligence Reform and Terrorism Prevention Act, Supreme Court decisions, "National Strategy" documents, 9-11 Commission recommendations, and various
ongoing developments nationally and internationally in the "war on terrorism." Did America's proud history of civil liberties come tumbling down on September 11? In this searing analysis of the US Patriot Act the author seeks to start a different, parallel dialog about the "war on terrorism," to prevent it becoming a war on ourselves and a war on the Constitution. A wake-up call for Americans concerned with preserving our nation's values.
No Greater America After September 11, and the Rise of a National Security State examines the prospect that America (with the Congress and the Executive Branch in the lead) may be transforming itself into a national security culture.
The book identifies and examines 12 common characteristics of a national security state, and discusses how those characteristics are being fulfilled today (in some instances in an accelerated manner).
The book includes a meticulous description of each of the ten parts of the USA PATRIOT Act (which is often discussed, but seldom explained) and shows why the Act ranks as one of the most significant pieces of legislation in many years the Act grants broad powers to Federal investigators in surveillance, intelligence, prosecution, and inter-agency information sharing; and most of its provisions have no "sunset" but are permanent.
The book is a readable review, in plain and common sense language, of the Act's scope and breadth. A final section makes general observations on the long-term concepts of "security" versus "peace," and offers ways in which the reader can be involved in the issues.
This is the most detailed analysis of the USA PATRIOT Act and illustrates why patriotic Americans should be concerned (if not alarmed) by this country s potential move into a national security state.
ongoing developments nationally and internationally in the "war on terrorism." Did America's proud history of civil liberties come tumbling down on September 11? In this searing analysis of the US Patriot Act the author seeks to start a different, parallel dialog about the "war on terrorism," to prevent it becoming a war on ourselves and a war on the Constitution. A wake-up call for Americans concerned with preserving our nation's values.
No Greater America After September 11, and the Rise of a National Security State examines the prospect that America (with the Congress and the Executive Branch in the lead) may be transforming itself into a national security culture.
The book identifies and examines 12 common characteristics of a national security state, and discusses how those characteristics are being fulfilled today (in some instances in an accelerated manner).
The book includes a meticulous description of each of the ten parts of the USA PATRIOT Act (which is often discussed, but seldom explained) and shows why the Act ranks as one of the most significant pieces of legislation in many years the Act grants broad powers to Federal investigators in surveillance, intelligence, prosecution, and inter-agency information sharing; and most of its provisions have no "sunset" but are permanent.
The book is a readable review, in plain and common sense language, of the Act's scope and breadth. A final section makes general observations on the long-term concepts of "security" versus "peace," and offers ways in which the reader can be involved in the issues.
This is the most detailed analysis of the USA PATRIOT Act and illustrates why patriotic Americans should be concerned (if not alarmed) by this country s potential move into a national security state.
536 pages, Paperback
First published May 2, 2002
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July 21, 2024
IS AMERICA BECOMING A "NATIONAL SECURITY STATE"?
Author C. William Michaels stated in the introduction to this 2002 book, "My intent is... to initiate a separate, parallel dialog about the 'war on terrorism,' so that it does not become a war on ourselves and a war on the Constitution. I hope to encourage a discussion of the long term effects of what is happening, the sacrifices asked of us... an examination of a growing governmental conviction that the ends justify the means, and a challenge to the national broadcast media's disturbing attitude that everything is under control, when it decidedly is not."
He begins by noting that "A national security state need not be an overbearing dictatorship. It is extremely unlikely that America ever will reach that stage of total transformation. More likely is the development of some other form, an odd mix of relentless high-tech surveillance and investigation with a compliant consumer culture and oddly familiar retro politics." (Pg. 6)
He identifies twelve characteristics of a national security state which he suggests we may be heading towards, after the 2001 passage of the PATRIOT Act, such as: Visible increase in uniformed security; Secrecy of ruling authority; Media in the service of the State; Patriotism moving to nationalism; Targeted individuals and groups; Increased surveillance of citizenry, etc. (Pg. 28)
He asserts that "This element of a national security state has been completely fulfilled, at least at airports, travel centers, and government buildings. The prospect remains of an ever greater expansion of security presence to other locales. As ... the public becomes more accustomed, this element becomes even more cemented in place." (Pg. 192) He states that one result of such a state is "a permanent wartime economy, and a war-fighting mentality. Military and security activity becomes paramount..." (Pg. 259)
After "scoring" his twelve characteristics, he concludes that "America is close to being a national security state." (Pg. 300)
This book will be of great interest to persons concerned with our civil liberties after the 9/11 attacks.
Author C. William Michaels stated in the introduction to this 2002 book, "My intent is... to initiate a separate, parallel dialog about the 'war on terrorism,' so that it does not become a war on ourselves and a war on the Constitution. I hope to encourage a discussion of the long term effects of what is happening, the sacrifices asked of us... an examination of a growing governmental conviction that the ends justify the means, and a challenge to the national broadcast media's disturbing attitude that everything is under control, when it decidedly is not."
He begins by noting that "A national security state need not be an overbearing dictatorship. It is extremely unlikely that America ever will reach that stage of total transformation. More likely is the development of some other form, an odd mix of relentless high-tech surveillance and investigation with a compliant consumer culture and oddly familiar retro politics." (Pg. 6)
He identifies twelve characteristics of a national security state which he suggests we may be heading towards, after the 2001 passage of the PATRIOT Act, such as: Visible increase in uniformed security; Secrecy of ruling authority; Media in the service of the State; Patriotism moving to nationalism; Targeted individuals and groups; Increased surveillance of citizenry, etc. (Pg. 28)
He asserts that "This element of a national security state has been completely fulfilled, at least at airports, travel centers, and government buildings. The prospect remains of an ever greater expansion of security presence to other locales. As ... the public becomes more accustomed, this element becomes even more cemented in place." (Pg. 192) He states that one result of such a state is "a permanent wartime economy, and a war-fighting mentality. Military and security activity becomes paramount..." (Pg. 259)
After "scoring" his twelve characteristics, he concludes that "America is close to being a national security state." (Pg. 300)
This book will be of great interest to persons concerned with our civil liberties after the 9/11 attacks.
Displaying 1 of 1 review