Introduction
In today’s society, the actions of governments and those of ordinary individuals are often judged by vastly different standards, despite sometimes being fundamentally similar. Governments possess the unique ability to redefine behaviors that would otherwise be considered criminal if committed by private citizens, using specific laws and statutes to justify their actions. This blog explores numerous examples that illustrate these double standards:
Government Surveillance vs. Unauthorized Surveillance
When Government Does It, it is called government surveillance, authorized under the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act (FISA) of 1978, particularly Section 702. When anybody else does it, it’s unauthorized surveillance, violating laws like 18 U.S. Code § 2511 – Interception and disclosure of wire, oral, or electronic communications prohibited.
Military Detention vs. Unlawful Detention
When Government Does It, it is called military detention, authorized under the Authorization for Use of Military Force (AUMF) of 2001. When anybody else does it, it’s unlawful detention, violating laws like 18 U.S. Code § 242 – Deprivation of rights under color of law.
Forced Vaccination vs. Assault
When Government Does It, it is called forced vaccination, under laws such as 42 U.S. Code § 264 – Regulations to control communicable diseases. When anybody else does it, it’s assault, violating laws like 18 U.S. Code § 113 – Assaults within maritime and territorial jurisdiction.
Civil Commitment vs. False Imprisonment
When Government Does It, it is called civil commitment, under laws like 42 U.S. Code § 10802 – Protection and advocacy of mentally ill individuals. When anybody else does it, it’s false imprisonment, violating laws like 18 U.S. Code § 1201 – Kidnapping.
Government Propaganda vs. Fraud
When Government Does It, it is called government propaganda, under laws such as the Smith-Mundt Act of 1948. When anybody else does it, it’s fraud, violating laws like 18 U.S. Code § 1341 – Frauds and swindles.
Border Control vs. Human Trafficking
When Government Does It, it is called border control, under laws like the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA). When anybody else does it, it’s human trafficking, violating laws like 18 U.S. Code § 1589 – Forced labor.
Government Sanctions vs. Economic Coercion
When Government Does It, it is called government sanctions, authorized under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA). When anybody else does it, it’s economic coercion, violating laws like 18 U.S. Code § 1951 – Interference with commerce by threats or violence.
Asset Seizure vs. Burglary
When Government Does It, it is called asset seizure, under laws like 21 U.S. Code § 881 – Forfeitures. When anybody else does it, it’s burglary, violating laws like 18 U.S. Code § 2113 – Bank robbery and incidental crimes.
National Defense vs. Armed Assault
When Government Does It, it is called national defense, under laws like 10 U.S. Code § 5063 – Marine Corps: composition and functions. When anybody else does it, it’s armed assault, violating laws like 18 U.S. Code § 111 – Assaulting, resisting, or impeding certain officers or employees.
Government Immunity vs. Evading Prosecution
When Government Does It, it is called government immunity, under laws like the Federal Tort Claims Act (28 U.S. Code § 2671). When anybody else does it, it’s evading prosecution, violating laws like 18 U.S. Code § 1073 – Flight to avoid prosecution or giving testimony.
Conclusion
These examples highlight the profound power imbalance and the different legal justifications that governments employ, which often criminalize similar behaviors by individuals. This disparity underscores the need for continued scrutiny and accountability in the actions of those in power.
Until Next Time…
I Am,
Ewing Redmond Samuels III
