Congressman Trout introduces "REVOLUTION ACT"

Congressman Trout introduces "REVOLUTION ACT"

WASHINGTON (12 November) - Representative Kilgore Trout (I - Trafalmadore) has introduced House Resolution 7476, or the "Restoring Essential Virtues by Ordaining Liberty Unafraid of Terrorism for the Idealistic Origins of our Nation (REVOLUTION ACT of 2007)," to address the what he considers the "unacceptable accumulation of powers" of the Executive Branch under President Bush.

Congressman Trout announced the measure to the public at a rally outside the Capitol building this morning saying, "an Executive Branch such as this - cloaked in secrecy, without checks on their power, and without adequate means of oversight - is a clear and present danger to our democracy and antithetical to the vision and intent of our Forefathers and the Constitution they crafted."

"This bill addresses very specific power grabs that this President is known to have taken with the acquiescence of a Republican Party whose loyalty to the President dwarfs all other principals, and a Democratic Party who is far more afraid of Republican talking points than the erosion of our liberty."

White House spokesperson Dana Perino responded to questions from reporters regarding Trout's statements at a press conference later in the day.

"There are those like Mr. Trout who consider the civil rights of foreign terrorists who want to kill us more important than the safety and future of the United States. As the president has said repeatedly, we cannot sit idly by and allow another Hitler or Stalin to emerge from the Middle East. We must fight terrorism wherever and however we can."

The text of the house resolution is as follows:

***

An Act

H.R. 7476

Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America in Congress assembled,

SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE AND TABLE OF CONTENTS.

(a) Short Title.--This Act may be cited as the "Restoring Essential Virtues by Ordaining Liberty Unafraid of Terrorism for the Idealistic Origins of our Nation (REVOLUTION ACT of 2007)."

TITLE I--ENSURING CONTINUED FREEDOM OF UNITED STATES CITIZENS

Sec. 101. Freedom from unwarranted search and surveillence
(a) The right of the people to be secure in their persons, houses, papers, and effects, against unreasonable searches and seizures, shall not be violated, and no warrants shall issue, but upon probable cause, supported by oath or affirmation, and particularly describing the place to be searched, and the persons or things to be seized.

Sec. 102. Freedom from wanton imprisonment and persecution
(a) No person shall be held to answer for a capital, or otherwise infamous crime, unless on a presentment or indictment of a grand jury, except in cases arising in the land or naval forces, or in the militia, when in actual service in time of war or public danger; nor shall any person be subject for the same offense to be twice put in jeopardy of life or limb; nor shall be compelled in any criminal case to be a witness against himself, nor be deprived of life, liberty, or property, without due process of law; nor shall private property be taken for public use, without just compensation.

Sec. 103. Freedom of trial and legal defense
(a) In all criminal prosecutions, the accused shall enjoy the right to a speedy and public trial, by an impartial jury of the state and district wherein the crime shall have been committed, which district shall have been previously ascertained by law, and to be informed of the nature and cause of the accusation; to be confronted with the witnesses against him; to have compulsory process for obtaining witnesses in his favor, and to have the assistance of counsel for his defense.

Sec. 104. Freedom from torture
(a) Excessive bail shall not be required, nor excessive fines imposed, nor cruel and unusual punishments inflicted.

End

:cry:

:toast:

Fortunately, we can count on solid, sensible Democrats like Feinstein, Schumer, Clinton and many others to join with their Republican colleagues in putting down nonsense like this.

I'll vote for it!