The National Security State

President Obama said this today in regard to the AP intrusion by the government:

"Leaks related to national security can put people at risk, they can put men and women in uniform that I've sent into the battlefield at risk," Obama said, while declining to comment on the pending case.

This should awaken every American.  When the President refers to the "national security", he really means the "national security state."  What do we call a state whose reason for existing becomes the state itself? Take your pick.  History abounds with examples ... some fairly recent.

The national security state will always excuse its excesses in preventing accountability by invoking the safety of the people, the troops.  The troops.  Are they the national security state's central concern?  I think not.  Eighteen veterans commit suicide each day.  Sexual assault in the military is covered up.  I side with the First Amendment.  That will really help the troops to keep us free.