[Fuusm-l] Today's Issues Discussion this Sunday April 13

[Ted Goertzel]

Will the climate crisis destroy capitalism?  Why is Trump out golfing while
things are falling apart? Is he creating a crisis on purpose? What is going
on with these tariffs?

Explore these and other issues at the Today’s Issues discussion group this
Sunday, April  13, 2025, The group meets on occasional Sunday mornings in
person in the parlor of the Religious Education building next to the
Unitarian Universalist Church at 232 Third St. in Marietta or you can join
us on Zoom.  Click Here to Enter the Zoom Room
<https://us02web.zoom.us/j/8583258484?pwd=RFdJUGZOZkU4THArWFpnVkllZzh1dz09>
.

Of course, we can talk about the recent tariff fiasco and its
implications.  In addition, Judy recommended the following:


Climate crisis on track to destroy capitalism, warns top insurer

Action urgently needed to save the conditions under which markets – and
civilisation itself – can operate, says senior Allianz figureRead in The
Guardian: https://apple.news/Ajgj7LmWgQfyLRd68mue8JA

And Lori suggested the following from a Signal discussion group

We know this post is long, but it’s important to read to understand what’s
going on. A lot of people are asking, “Why is Trump just out golfing while
things are falling apart?” It’s simple: the emergency isn’t something he’s
reacting to — it’s something he’s building.

Trump recently declared a national economic emergency under the
International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA) — granting himself
sweeping authority over international trade by labeling foreign economic
practices an “unusual and extraordinary threat.”

But here’s the real play: by declaring a national emergency, Trump didn’t
just respond to a crisis — he created one. And in doing so, he unlocked
access to over 120 statutory powers scattered throughout federal law. Many
of these powers have nothing to do with trade — and everything to do with
expanding presidential authority inside the U.S.

What This Move Enables: Expanded Domestic Powers

1. Control of Domestic Communications

- 47 U.S.C. §606(c): Allows the president to take control of, shut down, or
regulate wire and radio communications — including the internet, social
media platforms, broadcast networks, and telecom infrastructure — in the
name of national defense. Originally intended for wartime, this Cold
War-era law remains on the books.

2. Asset Freezing and Financial Surveillance

- Under IEEPA and related laws, the president can freeze the assets and
bank accounts of individuals or organizations accused of aiding foreign
threats. These powers are vague and can be stretched to include domestic
political groups, journalists, or activists — especially if they’re
perceived as having foreign ties or influence.

3. Domestic Military Deployment

- Under the Insurrection Act (10 U.S.C. §§ 251–255), the president can
deploy active-duty U.S. military to enforce laws or suppress civil unrest
within the country. In certain scenarios, this can be done without state
governor consent — especially if the president claims state authorities are
failing to uphold federal law.

4. Emergency Detention Powers (Non-Citizens)

- The Alien Enemies Act (50 U.S.C. §21) — a law dating back to 1798 —
allows the president to detain or restrict the movement of non-citizens
from nations deemed hostile. The criteria for “hostile” can be broad and
undefined during a declared emergency.

5. Control of Energy and Transportation

- Under laws like 42 U.S.C. §6272 and others, the president can redirect or
restrict domestic fuel production, electricity usage, or energy
transportation. Additionally, 49 U.S.C. §40106(b) allows the president to
limit, reroute, or suspend civil aviation, giving the executive branch
near-total control over U.S. airspace in a crisis.

6. Suspension of Labor Regulations

- During a declared emergency, the president can waive federal labor
regulations and override contract protections. This includes removing
limits on hours, wages, and workplace safety for federal contractors and
any industries deemed vital to national security.

7. National Security Letters & Warrantless Surveillance

- Emergency declarations expand the reach and use of National Security
Letters (NSLs) — tools that let federal agencies demand financial, telecom,
and internet records without a warrant. These also come with gag orders,
preventing the recipient (e.g., Google or a bank) from disclosing that
they’re under surveillance.

Why it Matters?

Even when legal domestic powers are limited, a national emergency lets the
president:

- Frame the issue as a national security crisis, justifying aggressive
action

- Bypass Congress and the courts by acting unilaterally

- Sway public opinion using fear, urgency, and patriotic rhetoric

Bottom Line

IEEPA is focused on foreign threats — but once the emergency is declared,
the president taps into a hidden arsenal of domestic control powers. What
began as a trade issue could quickly shift into civil liberties
restrictions, mass surveillance, or even crackdowns under the legal shield
of an “emergency.”

This isn’t just about tariffs. It’s about redefining the boundaries of
executive power. Imagine if this economic crisis keeps getting worse — the
amount of power he will gain.
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