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Attorney Carl Mayer returns to update the government’s appeal of the injunction of NDAA’s detention clause; Mark Friedman, a city council member in El Cerrito, CA explains why he doesn’t want to pledge allegiance before each meeting.In an (unfortunate) exclusive to the PBC Show, due to a virtual blackout by corporate media, Carl Mayer updates us on the case he brought on behalf of Chris Hedges, Dan Ellsberg and others against the extreme and unconstitutional detention language in the 2012 NDAA. We have covered this case all along, so search “NDAA” in our archives for background. Read Kevin Gozstola’s report on the hearing here. On 9/12/12, Judge Forrest issued a permanent injunction, which was appealed by the “Justice” Department; on 2/6/13, a 3-judge panel of the 2nd Circuit Court of Appeals heard arguments from both sides. Mayer describes the government’s effort to dismiss the case due to “standing”, and its argument that the president has the same power to hold suspects under the 2001 Authorization for Use of Military Force. He also talks about the side show presented by a lawyer for Sens. John McCain and Lindsey Graham. Mayer challenges false assertions made by Justice Dept attorney Robert Loeb: that no journalists have been detained by the US since 9/11, and that the plaintiffs are protected by part of the Geneva Conventions that the US has never ratified. For more info and to support the appeal, click here.
Just after the 52-minute mark, we talk with Mark Friedman, who was an Obama delegate to the 2008 convention and serves on the City Council in El Cerrito, CA. At this week’s meeting, he proposed that the Council end its practice of reciting the Pledge of Allegiance before each meeting. He objects to the rote, ritual pledge, and to its message that the US provides liberty and justice for all. Friedman talks about reaction from the local media, including this column in the S.F. Chronicle. For more on the history of the pledge, and its racist author, click here, here and here.