RIP Habeas Corpus

This week the Decider-in-Chief took another step toward despotism by signing into law the Military Commissions Act of 2006, a law that denies people deemed to be "enemy combatants" the right to an attorney, a speedy trial, or even the right to know why they've been arrested. Said "combatants" can be held indefinitely and incommunicado, joining the thousands of the third world "disappeared". And you thought it couldn't happen here.
Who qualifies as an enemy combatant? Pretty much anyone that our illustrious president or secretary of defense decides fits the bill. Based on past statements, this could conceivably include reporters, bloggers, or anyone else that doesn't toe the Bush line on perpetual war. It's a sad day for freedom in this country, but save for a few scathing editorials the act passed largely unnoticed by the public.
Keep an eye peeled for the jackboots and brown shirts that are sure to come out of the administration's closets soon.
Can martial law be far behind?