Anyone know how THIS hasn't received much attention? It's the National Continuity Policy, which flew in under the radar on May 9th.
The directive, signed by President Bush on May 9th, "... establishes a comprehensive national policy on the continuity of Federal Government structures and operations and a single National Continuity Coordinator responsible for coordinating the development and implementation of Federal continuity policies. This policy establishes 'National Essential Functions,' prescribes continuity requirements for all executive departments and agencies, and provides guidance for State, local, territorial, and tribal governments, and private sector organizations in order to ensure a comprehensive and integrated national continuity program that will enhance the credibility of our national security posture and enable a more rapid and effective response to and recovery from a national emergency."
This assigns sole power to the Executive Branch of government. It revokes the National Security Act of 1947 and the Presidential Decision Directive 67 of October 21, 1998 (Enduring Constitutional Government and Continuity of Government Operations), "including all Annexes thereto".
And it effectively allows Bush to seize complete control of all branches of government should the United States suffer a catastrophic emergency.
"Catastrophic Emergency" means any incident, regardless of location, that results in extraordinary levels of mass casualties, damage, or disruption severely affecting the U.S. population, infrastructure, environment, economy, or government functions.
"Continuity of Government," or "COG," means a coordinated effort within the Federal Government's executive branch to ensure that National Essential Functions continue to be performed during a Catastrophic Emergency.
October surprise, anyone?
cross posted at The Katrinacrat
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16 comments:
So innocuous sounding, isn't it?
Scarymonstersupercreeps.
Hey friend of mine, be sure to cross post this one. I am back, but have new things going on. I just posted a hit piece on Falwell this morn, but now my mom is in the hospital. Damn! What next? Dad, you and mom! What gives? Freaking idiots will use this as a catalyst to take over. Scary!
And the gov't did such a fantastic job with the catastrophe that was Hurricane Katrina. (eye roll)
And a "Catastrophic Emergency" would be something like... oh... regularly scheduled ELECTIONS?
Thom Hartmann talked about this on his Air America show most of yesterday morning. It is quite a scary proposition. I wonder how they will come up with just the right catastrophe to secure this new poower. These people have to be watched constantly, and even then, they are creating new realities behind the scenes.
This has been blogged, but it has not drawn the attention it deserves. It may simply be too scary for us to get our minds around.
http://www.washingtonpost.com/ac2/wp-dyn/A20584-2002Feb28?language=printer
In 2002, WaPo wrote about this Shadow Government. The difference between now and then is that orginally representatives from all branches of gov't would assume control in a catastrophe and now that control becomes singular...the Executive branch.
No Congress, no courts. Suspended elections. End of life as we know it.
One other change is that the catastrophe does not have to be a direct hit on DC, thus physically disabling gov't. The directive now reads that the catastrophe can happen anywhere in the country. Seattle could be bombed and this self-identified Shadow Government could assume power.
Why has this change come now?
Even rational people believe it is prepatory to a 'terrorist attack' in the making.
Lulu, it's beyond scary. We're actually now very fucked.
Donnie, I've cross-posted. Done, and done.
Tree, yep. Heckuva job, Brownie.
Robin Andrea, they've redefined catastrophe. See Mirth's comment.
Mirth, the directive states that they can determine what type of catastrohpe allows them to grab power - so, it suggests that in the event of another catastrophic hurricane, for exampe - it's ugly.
Oh yes, Diva Jood. This is the most scary of all...'they' determine what constitutes a catastrophe.
Looks like Bush is setting up to have complete autonomy over the governemnt with no other power to challenge him.
Bush's Imperialism.
"So this is how liberty dies: with thunderous applause." - Senator Padmé Amidala
You asked; here's the answer:
(don't feed hysteria by reading too much into this):
With the reduced threat to this country of nuclear attack by the former Soviet Union and its successor nations, Enduring Constitutional Government programs (the former Continuity of Government programs) were scaled back in the early 1990s. Most of the resources of the National Preparedness Directorate of the Federal Emergency Management Agency [FEMA] were spent on ensuring the continuation of civilian government in the event of a nuclear war, through what are known as the Enduring Constitutional Government programs. The directorate also supports ongoing studies through war gaming, computer modeling, and other methods.
do i sense a Bush Reich? the 2008 elections are the most vital in this country's history
Larry, it's more insidious than imperialism.
Ahenobarbus, I've always thought that Star Wars was about the USA.
Anonymous, not sure that really answers the question. How did this slip under the radar?
Weezie, Yep. If we HAVE 2008 elections.
National Security Act of 1947 and the Presidential Decision Directive 67 of October 21, 1998 (Enduring Constitutional Government and Continuity of Government Operations), "including all Annexes thereto".
(f-A-ke. P.) -
Today President Bush announced 'Operation Enduring Constitution'. White House spokesperson, Tony Snow, said we might be at it for years.
Did anyone actually bother to read the directive? Its basicalls supplants the one Clinton operated under and tailors it to Bush's Administration. Is does NOT revoke the National Security Act of 1947. In fact, it explicitly states that the new directive must comply with that Act.
Bush is a tyrannical moron, but you don't need ot make stuff up to prove it. He does a good enough job on his own. Making things up makes us look like we don't care. Be responsible and fact check. The truth is on OUR side. Use it.
Kvatch, I love your news source - you always have the best snark! Before you, the only clever frog I knew was Froggy the Gremlin
Anonymous, the information I saw indicated that this Administration was making plans to consolidate all power in the Executive Branch - which, had it not been THIS administration, probably would not disturb me so much. I did not make something up; if I misunderstood something, that is quite another thing. Thank you for your frequent attention to this particular post. Of course, I'd be happier if you listed a name of some sort.
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