Vigilance is everything

I have friends that are into conspiracy theories. Some have advanced the idea that our democratic republic is ripe for quick conversion into a totalitarian state. They say it could happen. The terrorists attack during the election season. Bush cancels the election. Martial law is declared. For reasons of national security Bush places himself in charge indefinitely, or at least until he can successfully rig the next election in his favor.

Ridiculous, I say. But then, along comes a meaningless announcement of terrorist activity. An announcement like all the others... We have no information, but Al Qaeda is planning to attack.

The announcement is followed by this:

U.S. Mulling How to Delay Nov. Vote in Case of Attack

According to the article:

U.S. counterterrorism officials are looking at an emergency proposal on the legal steps needed to postpone the November presidential election in case of an attack by al Qaeda, Newsweek reported on Sunday

The media must ask hard questions about this. It must not sit passively by and report on the destruction of the American political system. I demand strong incessant questions: Who is making this proposal and why would they make it? Who reaps the rewards of a canceled election?

We should not settle for euphemistic platitudes as a weak substitute for hard answers. There is essentially no excuse for even considering interrupting our unbroken stream of national elections. If we allow a gradual erosion of our civil liberties to solidify into a totalitarian state-- however temporary -- the terrorists win.

The real warning is hidden in Ridge's announcement. The Bush administration is laying the groundwork for maintaining power. They are telling us what they will do. Do not be surprised if this comes to pass. The incessant, active observation by the US citizenry is the only thing that can stop it.