A game of very high-stakes poker is playing out with the future of America and its liberty. The Los Angeles Times already reported that Members of Congress were told America could face martial law if the $700B bailout bill was not passed. (For a YouTube of U.S. Rep. Brad Sherman of California confirming the threat of martial law, click here.) This means martial law is being used as a poker chip for political leverage. Those who threaten to stifle the last gasp of American liberty could be bluffing; they could throw in their hand and walk away if their bluff is called.

But I don't think so.

Bush has already de facto struck down the Posse Comitatus Act and, so, made it legal for the US military to be used against US citizens in police actions. Indeed, since October 1st, the First Brigade of the Third Infantry Division -- three to four thousand soldiers -- have awaited federal instructions as to where and how to assume that function should civil unrest erupt. The May 2007 National Security and Homeland Security Presidential Directive (NSPD 51) gave Bush the power to declare such an emergency -- almost at his own discretion -- and, then take total control of the country, bypassing all other levels of government at the state, federal, local, territorial and tribal levels. In short, it is the power to declare dictatorship.

Now Naomi Wolf provides a fascinating account of an interview she conducted with "Vietnam veteran, retired U.S. Air Force Colonel and patriot David Antoon."



In the case the final comment is too cryptic, the referenced "coup" is Bush's unilateral ability to assume a de facto dictatorship of the United States. Let's hope he -- or, rather, the behind-the-scene powers of the Bush administration -- are bluffing.