TREASON: The framers' view

It seems that the word “treason,” and its extensions, have become a battle axe in the current political debate. This usage is misapplied, inappropriate and poisonous to political discourse because of what treason legally is in the USA.

First, throw away the dictionary definition. Treason has different meanings and consequences in different countries. In the USA the Constitution, Art. III, Sec. 3, clause 1, is very specific:

“Treason against the United States, shall consist only in levying war against them, or in adhering to their enemies, giving them aid and comfort.”

Note the restrictive nature of this clause as it applies only to “...war...” Treason, then, cannot and does not apply to partisan divisions. Why? Because the Framers were a bit leery of the historical royal practice of convenient imprisonment and execution of English citizens on grossly inflated charges of treason.

Yes, screaming TREASON at every opportunity does serve to repeat a political talking point, but it also devalues the Constitution’s carefully considered protection against misuse of the charge.

JAMES T. STRONG

Hayden