Secrecy News from the Congressional Research Service (Might want a double-shot with this crap)

These are all offical .pdf files that everyone should take the time to download and read...if you have the stomach for it.

#1 - The Posse Comitatus Act and Related Matters: The Use of the Military to Execute Civilian Law.

This 69 page report essentially says the Government has never had to comply with The Posse Comitatus Act. There are so many situations where The Act can and has been suspended since the late 1800's our outrage over the Patriot Act seems completely immaterial. I just love the section about Consequences of Violation and Prosecution:

"The Posse Comitatus Act is a criminal statute under which there has never been an officially reported prosecution" (and according to the document it's been violated many times...but not "offically")

http://www.fas.org/sgp/crs/natsec/R42659.pdf

#2 - Gifts to the President of the United States.

This 9 page report basically says that the president can't receive gifts in excess of $350 without reporting it to congress. HOWEVER, the mutiple "exceptions" and routine non compliance makes the whole thing ridiculous. (Boy are we being played)

http://www.fas.org/sgp/crs/misc/R42662.pdf

#3 - Current Crisis In Mali

This is a 19 page report. (Can't even mind our own business in Mali)

Excerpt:

The situation in Mali challenges U.S. goals of promoting stability, democracy, civilian control of the military, and effective counterterrorism in Africa, and raises questions regarding the strategic design and effectiveness of existing U.S. efforts to do so. Policymakers continue to debate whether, and how, the United States should respond to Mali’s crisis as it evolves. At present, U.S. policy seeks the return of a legitimate government in the south, and supports efforts led by the Economic Community of West African States ECOWAS) to mediate a way out of Mali’s political collapse and contain violent extremism from spreading more widely in the region.

The United States may provide support for an eventual ECOWAS stabilization force, depending on its scope and with the consent of Mali’s interim government; to date, State Department officials have called on ECOWAS to better articulate its plans and needs for the mission. Direct U.S. assistance to the Malian security forces—in addition to several other types of foreign aid—has been suspended in
line with congressionally mandated restrictions triggered by the coup. The aid suspensions do not include humanitarian assistance, including for health and food security, of which the United States is a leading provider in Mali and the region.

http://www.fas.org/sgp/crs/row/R42664.pdf

#4 - Armed Conflict in Syria: U.S. and International Response. (Argh, Heavy Sigh)

41 page report provides a textbook definintion of our failed foreign policy

After over a year of unrest and violence, Syria’s crisis is characterized by dilemmas and contradictions. A menu of imperfect choices confronts U.S. policymakers, amid fears of continued violence, a humanitarian crisis, and regional instability. The potential spillover effects of continued fighting raise questions with regard to Turkey, Lebanon, Jordan, Iraq, and Israel.

Larger refugee flows, sectarian conflict, or transnational violence by non-state actors are among the contingencies that policy makers are concerned about in relation to these countries. The unrest also is creating new opportunities for Al Qaeda or other violent extremist groups to operate in Syria. The security of Syrian conventional and chemical weapons stockpiles has become a regional security concern, which will grow if a security vacuum emerges. Many observers worry
that an escalation in fighting or swift regime change could generate new pressures on minority groups or lead to wider civil or regional conflict.

http://www.fas.org/sgp/crs/mideast/RL33487.pdf

#5 - Why Some Fuel-Efficient Vehicles Are Not Sold Domestically.

7 page report that shows most other counties sell cars that get twice the fuel milage that ours do (same models) but, it concludes...the American people just don't want them because some are diesel. (This report makes it sound like all the cars that get good mileage are diesels...they are not)

http://www.fas.org/sgp/crs/misc/R42666.pdf

Website Source that includes more govt INSANITY! (This country is over without a President Paul...Period)

http://www.fas.org/blog/secrecy/