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Government Double Standards 2

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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

Government Double StandardS 1

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Introduction

In our world today, the lines between right and wrong can often seem blurred, particularly when it comes to the actions of those in power. Governments have a unique ability to redefine behaviors that would otherwise be considered criminal if committed by ordinary citizens. Let’s explore some striking examples of this double standard.

Patriot Act Surveillance vs. Felony Wiretapping

When Government Does It, it is called surveillance under the USA PATRIOT Act, particularly Title II (Enhanced Surveillance Procedures). When anybody else does it, it’s felony wiretapping, breaking laws like 18 U.S. Code § 2511 – Interception and disclosure of wire, oral, or electronic communications prohibited.

Enhanced Interrogation vs. Torture

When Government Does It, it is called enhanced interrogation, authorized under the Detainee Treatment Act of 2005. When anybody else does it, it’s torture, violating 18 U.S. Code § 2340A – Torture.

No Knock Raids vs. Breaking and Entering

When Government Does It, it is called no-knock raids, allowed under the USA PATRIOT Act, Section 213 – Authority for delaying notice of the execution of a warrant. When anybody else does it, it’s breaking and entering, violating laws like 18 U.S. Code § 2113 – Bank robbery and incidental crimes.

Taxation vs. Armed Robbery

When Government Does It, it is called taxation, governed by laws like the Internal Revenue Code (26 U.S. Code). When anybody else does it, it’s armed robbery, breaking laws such as 18 U.S. Code § 2113 – Bank robbery and incidental crimes.

Arrest vs. Kidnapping

When Government Does It, it is called arrest, under laws like 18 U.S. Code § 3052 – Powers of Federal Bureau of Investigation. When anybody else does it, it’s kidnapping, violating laws like 18 U.S. Code § 1201 – Kidnapping.

Indefinite Detention vs. Hostage Taking

When Government Does It, it is called indefinite detention, authorized under the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for Fiscal Year 2012, Section 1021. When anybody else does it, it’s hostage-taking, violating 18 U.S. Code § 1203 – Hostage taking.

Eminent Domain vs. Property Theft

When Government Does It, it is called eminent domain, authorized by the Fifth Amendment of the U.S. Constitution and laws like the Uniform Relocation Assistance and Real Property Acquisition Policies Act of 1970. When anybody else does it, it’s property theft, breaking laws such as 18 U.S. Code § 641 – Public money, property or records.

Conscription vs. Forced Labor

When Government Does It, it is called conscription, authorized by the Military Selective Service Act (50 U.S. Code § 3801). When anybody else does it, it’s forced labor, violating laws like 18 U.S. Code § 1589 – Forced labor.

NSA Data Collection vs. Cyberstalking

When Government Does It, it is called data collection under the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act (FISA) of 1978, particularly Section 702. When anybody else does it, it’s cyberstalking, violating laws like 18 U.S. Code § 2261A – Stalking.

Conclusion

These examples illustrate how government actions, justified by specific laws and statutes, often mirror actions that would be criminal if performed by private individuals. This discrepancy highlights the complex relationship between legality, morality, and power. The U.S. government continues to perpetrate violations of fundamental freedoms and human rights abuses under the guise of legality. It is evident that it wields its sovereignty to hold individuals accountable while shielding itself and its agents from any accountability.

Until Next Time…

I Am,

Ewing Redmond Samuels III