Bill of Rights, yesterday

Yesterday was the anniversary of The Bill of Rights, ratified December 15, 1791.

The Bill of Rights is, of course, the first ten amendments to the US Constitution.

Amendment VI (Right to a speedy trial) and VII (Right to a trial by jury) are especially worth noting in the context of recent events.  

As is Amemdment VIII (Excessive bail, cruel punishment): Excessive bail shall not be required, nor excessive fines imposed, nor cruel and unusual punishment.

Dismaying then is President Obama's decision yesterday not to veto the 2012 Defense Authorization Bill, breaking his promise to prohibit indefinte detention of Americans.