The American president is, in the words of Steven Spielberg’s “Lincoln,” “clothed in immense power.” It was true back then in the midst of the Civil War, and even more so now during the ongoing conflicts in the Middle East. The suspension of habeas corpus by the executive branch in both the Civil War and the Middle East was and is deemed a military necessity, and the latest suspension is being actively continued by the Obama administration.

The comparison to arguably our nation’s greatest president is in this case not the greatest compliment President Obama could receive. It is true that this methodology of detaining individuals without due process started under the Bush administration. The president has had four years to right this wrong that he so eloquently attacked while a sitting senator. Instead, he continues to defend his policy that clearly violates constitutional law just as it did 150 years ago. 

But there are many more tools available in the executive branch utility belt than there were in Lincoln’s time.

Unmanned drones have become such a complacent topic that news organizations are worrying not about who is killed or the damage done, but rather how the humans still controlling the machine can best avoid getting too bored on the job. The enemy combatant “kill list” has already had its time in the Sunday morning talk show circuit, and correspondingly, the issue has been reduced to a murmur. Since Vietnam and the “police action” in Korea before, the presidency has assumed the power of declaring war from Congress and the people. President Obama, who has continued and expanded these programs, is a very different person from the once-senator of Illinois.

These expansions of executive power are troubling for more than the fact that they continue to be perpetrated. It’s that no one in Washington is doing something about it. Both parties on the hill are either remaining silent in opposition or full-on endorsing the presidency’s unconstitutional power grab. The lack of a strong opposing voice in Congress represents a lack of accountability to the people. Whether a major election issue or not, it is our representatives’ job to ensure the responsibility for pursuing war lies with the people and only the people, not the president.

Political battles and power-jockeying of the federal government don’t seem to be much on the minds of the youth in the electorate — in a perfect world, rightfully so. In the age of extreme war-time aggression, when a president, for example, orders killing for any reason without consequences or due process, the rights of the young people in this nation are the first on the chopping block. There is no generation who gives more blood to the dictation of those in charge than the youngest.

In the age of reckless abandon in power, our mentality must change: to be ever vigilant, ever watchful and always responsive to infringements of the most minor rights and freedoms. This mindset must extend far beyond the federal level and into everyday life. During confrontations with those in charge, the loyal opposition must remain clear and loyal to its opposition. When the administration, whether presidential or collegiate, wants new power or leverage over the individuals it oversees, the ones who are most affected have an obligation to step up and push back. 

A certain kind of loyal opposition lives here on campus. As of this writing, it is unclear what will happen between the GEO and the university. Regardless of the outcome, the organization has taken its stand on the rights they are owed. It is refreshing and encouraging to know that our university is home to an active and engaged organization with a backbone. The fight for responsibility in our government begins at this university, and it begins now. 

Dylan is a freshman in Business. He can be reached at [email protected]