On a number of occasions, my random discussions throughout the day have come across the subject of free speech. Coupled with any discussion of free speech is the question as to where to draw the line of limiting that speech. You cannot yell fire in a crowded movie theater, this is not protected speech. You cannot insight a riot, once again not protected speech. On two more recent occasions, the prospect of a conflict between our first amendment right to free speech, and the fourteenth amendment which has been used to protect against the various forms that hate crimes take. The question then lies, when free speech is on the brink of, or blatantly hate speech, should it be restricted? This question has come about with two specific scenarios, though it can be played out, I'm sure, in many different ways as well.
The first, with the exercise of free speech to promote a racial superiority, or to discriminate against an ethnic group. I will be among the first of those out there to speak out against racial bigotry. I don't believe that in the 21st century that there is any room for such arcane and destructive ideologies. However, should a group or individual that holds such hateful ideas be able to speak their mind, and be allowed a platform to do so? The second scenario presented, perhaps a more contemporary battle being fought (this is not to say that racism has died out, or has been pushed to the distant margins of society, but something should be said to the progress that has been made in terms of racial equality) The more contemporary battle has to do with the acceptance of the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender community. Once again, I will be one of the first out there to stand up for my brothers and sisters of the LGBT community, but should speech against them be allowed?
A friend of mine, a fellow champion of equality in the world disagrees with my point of view on this issue, and I will admit part of what has driven me to consider this issue in such depth has a great deal to do with some of the very valid points that he has made. It is true that across the nation right now, perhaps the most discriminated against group of individuals are those who bravely come out and attempt to forge a path forward of acceptance for themselves and future generations to come. It is also true that with soaring rates of violence, intimidation, and suicide that this is a real and trying issue of our day. I believe it also true that with time, a lot of hard work, and battles fought and won, future generations of Americans will look back and find this generation that struggled with these issues so much and consider us backwards, narrow-minded, and foolish for our lack of openness and acceptance.
I recently was part in organizing an event titled "Blasphemy Rights Day" on my campus. Part of a broader series of events for "Free Speech Week". In organizing these events, we first came to these questions of whether there should be limitations to speech. An obvious concern, what to do - if anything - if someone, encouraged to exercise their right of free speech went down the path of hateful speech. With some disagreement, and also skepticism as to whether or not this scenario would actually play out, it was left alone. As it turned out, there were no issues with this at all, and the event went well. But the question still lies, should hateful speech be protected? And further, what constitutes hate speech? Obviously if I were to go rail against a group of people because of the color of their skin or their sexual identity, it should be consider hateful speech, but should it be restricted? Another scenario that I can imagine has to do with religious zealots of any faith threatening me with torture, fire, and scorn for the way that I choose to live my life. Some of my Christian friends will probably tell me that this is not hate speech, on the other hand, having chosen not to be a Christian myself, and being probably too familiar with Christian doctrine, I guarantee that when anyone makes attempts to "save my soul" they are engaging in hateful rhetoric toward me, those like myself, and people of other faiths. Should that speech be protected? How about political ideologies? Is it hateful for the tea-party fanatics to compare the president to Hitler? Is it hateful for people on the left to compare conservatives to fascists? The list goes on, and my fear is that eventually we will come to the point that speaking out against a poor corporate practice that goes against the well-being of a community, or a labor agreement that is detrimental to the economic environment will become considered hate speech to be restricted.
It is on this path of thought, that I cannot accept the idea that hate speech should be restricted. As vile as it often is, as terrible as some of the consequences may be, the fact of the matter is that freedom of speech should be one of the most closely guarded, and maintained freedoms that the people have earned. Freedom of speech can be used in terrible ways, but it also challenges people to think in new ways, to move forward, and to fight to make our society better. It's not always pleasant the things that we hear from opposing points of view, it's not always pleasant the things that the righteous have to say, but if we start limiting speech here, where do the restrictions stop? If I, in the fight for equality, justice, and humanity say things that offend those in positions to lose power, should I be restricted? Absolutely not, nor would I attempt to restrict the evil hate-mongers of our day from spewing their hate - as far as the law is concerned. I will, however exercise my right to free speech to speak out against these bigots with every chance I get. I will stand up to them, and show people the error of their ways with every chance I get. I will do everything in my power to make it so they have no audience for their hateful message, and will not stop until hatred, bigotry, and inequality are ancient myths of the past.
Your thoughts are encouraged. :)
Friday, October 15, 2010
Sunday, July 11, 2010
Nazi-style fascism alive and well in America?
So I came across this email that someone sent me this morning, and just had to go find out about it, and of course had to formulate a response... Attached is the original email below my response. Enjoy
First I believe it is important to point out that this type of rhetoric promoting animosity and dislike, even hatred of a particular group based on their religious or ethnic backgrounds is akin to the hatred and bigotry promoted by the third reich. The Nazi party made people to believe that communists and Jews were horrible people who would do terrible things to unsuspecting citizens, and were ultimately responsible for most of the problems in the nation at the time. I fail to see how this outcry against Muslims in America today is much different.
Second, this group of radical bigots marching in New York are protesting something that does not exist. Myself, believing that knowledge is power, not knowing anything about this, had to go do some research. It is important to point out that the site of Ground Zero is owned by the New York and New Jersey Port Authority. The same quasi-state run organization that owns and operates many of the bridges in and around New York and New Jersey, and the three major airports in New York and New Jersey; LaGuardia, JFK, and Newark Liberty. Now, I call this a quasi-state run entity because it is just that, the governors of each state appoint a number of board members to oversee and run the organization, since they are not elected officials, and not all of their proceeds come from state funds, it is not entirely a state run organization.
With some basic background facts out of the way, to the real meat of this ludicrous discussion. The Port Authority has a plan, set into place, that they are moving forward on to rebuild at Ground Zero. In none of these plans that are present, or any of the previous plans that were considered was there ever an idea of a Mosque, or any other place of worship for any faith. Don't believe me? Look it up, the Port Authority has an easy to access and easy to use website that spells all of this out, and just in case any of you are web-surfing novices, I will include a web address at the end of this message.
So, why were there no major networks present to cover this protest against something that does not exist? Because anyone who will take five minutes to research the facts surrounding this "controversy" will find that these peoples' arguments are baseless, ignorant, and hateful. You can come to your own conclusions as to why certain groups and certain people harbor these feelings, like anything else if you take the time to discover the facts you will clearly see what is happening.
I hope that this information is helpful to all of you, and I hope that you will not promote this hatred and bigotry that I fear may ruin our country. I will say that the great thing about America is that everyone, Christians, Jews, Muslims, Hindus, Buddhists all have the right to worship the way they see fit for themselves and their faith, and I am proud that in America you even have the right to be free from religion if that fits your convictions. I also am proud that I live in a country where people from different faiths and backgrounds can speak out freely because of their convictions. I will even defend the right of these misinformed bigots to stand up against whatever false threats they conjure up next. But I will also exercise my rights to speak out against them, and point out their bigotry, their hatred, and their lies. John Stuart Mill, a British philosopher who greatly influenced many American ideals of freedom argued for freedom of speech with the idea of the free marketplace of ideas; the truth and the best ideas would rise to the top, and be accepted by society if all ideas were allowed to be brought to the table, and citizens took it upon themselves to be informed. I think that his vision can be right, but another famous leader, Adolph Hitler once said that if a lie is repeated enough times, with enough conviction it inherently becomes truth. Please stand up with me to ensure that Mill's vision of freedom and truth comes to be, and not Hitler's vision of "truth".
Peace,
Sean
http://www.panynj.gov/wtcprogress/wtc-site-plan.html
Censored Protest at Ground Zero
June 16, 2010, New York , N.Y. , – by El Marco
Americans Stand Up Against Radical Islam in New York Not one major network sent a satellite truck or camera crew to this event. Without bloggers this newsworthy event would have remained unknown to the public and history
On Sunday, June 6th, a multi-ethnic, multi-racial coalition of Americans opposed to Islamic violence and intolerance rallied at the site of the World Trade Center in New York City .
9/11 families were joined by immigrants from India, Russia, Egypt, Israel, Africa, Iran and Europe to show opposition to the construction of a mega-mosque at Ground Zero. Others flew in from overseas to speak or just to share their particular ethnic communities’ experiences at the hands of Muslims.
These are parents and spouses of firefighters killed on 9/11. The rally took place just a minute’s walk from Ladder 10 Firehouse, where their loved ones were stationed for duty that terrible day. Ladder 10 lost seven firefighters. 
Crowd estimates ranged from 5,000 (NYPD) to 10,000. The crowd overflowed the police barrier enclosures that ran the full length of two city blocks. This photo shows the enclosure in front of the stage at the intersection of Liberty and Church Streets. The second enclosure ran the length of the next block and can be seen on the other side of the traffic lights.
Thousands of additional participants filled the treed area of Zuccotti Park .
Robert Spencer and Pamela Geller are the founders of STOP ISLAMIZATION OF AMERICA, which sponsored the rally. Ms. Geller is a citizen journalist and blogger who runs the human rights web site Atlas Shrugs. Mr. Spencer is the author of several books on Islam and head of the influential web site Jihad watch. Pamela Geller:
“Ground Zero is a war memorial, Ground Zero is a burial ground. We are asking for sensitivity…It is unconscionable to build a shrine to the very ideology that inspired the jihadist attacks at Ground Zero, right there. We are asking the imam Rauf and Daisy Khan to be sensitive. For mutual respect and mutual understanding that is demanded of us every day.
There’s a hair-trigger sensitivity in the Muslim world, you can’t run the cartoons, you can’t say Mohammed, this is offensive. This is an offensive mosque. To build a shrine, an Islamic flag of conquest on the sacred ground the cherished site, of a conquered land. This is historic, this is Islamic history. It’s what they do. The St. Sofia in Turkey , the al-Quds, at the holiest Jewish site in Israel . Not here. This is where we take a stand. We must take a stand. We must say no.”
I do not believe that the landmarks commission controlled by Mayor Bloomberg, is going to stop this mosque. It’s not going to happen. Here’s Omar Muhamedi, on his human rights council, a CAIR lawyer, who sued the airlines and the Jane and John Does that saw something and said something on those airplanes, if you remember. That’s who’s on his human rights commission. It ain’t gonna happen with Bloomberg. We have to make it happen. You have to get involved.” ( Pamela Geller)
Police enclosure on left, with crowd flowing out of park on right. The new Tower 7 and World Trade Center site are in the background. The green tent, center, is located immediately behind the stage.
Port Authority and NYPD officers kept watch over the rally and were well aware of the need for heightened security at this event. One of their own Port Authority officers, WTC Sergeant Alan T. De Vona was on duty at the World Trade Center on 9/11, 2001, and was one of the first to help victims of the terrorist attack. He spoke these words to the SIOA rally:
“It’s almost nine years. I’m hoping that America is watching. I’m hoping that America is remembering. Because, make no mistake. September 11 was an act of war. And thank the military that has lost almost 5,000 troops from that day, defending us. I don’t know what to say to jar America ’s memory. I want America to remember.
Port Authority Police and FDNY firefighters are seen here gathered beneath this banner.
The issues at stake will certainly affect the heart of American freedom, democracy, cultural values and tolerance. America is a tolerant country that allows for the free worship of all its citizens. But our tolerance has limits. Do we have to tolerate intolerant Islamic ideology and Muslims who preach intolerant Islam?”
Hindu human rights activists Narain Kataria, Prasad Yalamanchi and unidentified friend came from Mississippi and Chicago with banners and flyers highlighting the radical statements of imam Rauf and his jihadist roots.
Stephen Dyer and Gary Jules journalism students at York College, with Pamela Geller. Not one major network sent a satellite truck or camera crew to this event. Without bloggers this newsworthy event would have remained unknown to the public and history.
Pamela Geller is greeted by Hindu human rights activists Prasad Yalamanchi and Narain Kataria.
Bhupinder Singh Bhurji, Pamela Geller, and Robert Spencer. Singh Bhurji is the president of the NAMDHARI SIKH FOUNDATION. The foundation is a member of the Human Rights Coalition Against Radical Islam (HRCARI). HRCARI is a coalition of Hindus, Sikhs, Christians from Sudan, Egypt and Iraq, moderate Muslims and Jews — who are victims and targets of radical Islam around the globe. He said, at another rally:
“Radical Islamists are killing people in India , trying to dominate that nation. And here too they come with violence against “infidels.” We are “infidels united,” standing together, brown, black and white, against this epoch’s fascist movement. Radical Islam wants to dominate entire world. They want everyone to surrender. Islam radical or otherwise. They want to put the Islamic flag on White House.”
Because of Islamic terrorism, America and the world have seen massive new security measures become a way of life. Anyone openly critical of Islam, or terrorist ideology, must surround themselves with security, or live in hiding. Those courageous enough to confront Islamism are criticized by the cowards and appeasers of the left who seek safety by supporting the enemy. Moderate Muslims were silent when Theo van Gogh was brutally murdered in Amsterdam , just as moderate Muslims in the United States are generally reluctant to speak out against violent Islam. Moderate Muslims also face great danger in speaking out.
Geller and Spencer will press on despite the danger. They hope to inspire Americans to stand up and say enough of political correctness and work to stem the galloping islamization of America and Europe .
First I believe it is important to point out that this type of rhetoric promoting animosity and dislike, even hatred of a particular group based on their religious or ethnic backgrounds is akin to the hatred and bigotry promoted by the third reich. The Nazi party made people to believe that communists and Jews were horrible people who would do terrible things to unsuspecting citizens, and were ultimately responsible for most of the problems in the nation at the time. I fail to see how this outcry against Muslims in America today is much different.
Second, this group of radical bigots marching in New York are protesting something that does not exist. Myself, believing that knowledge is power, not knowing anything about this, had to go do some research. It is important to point out that the site of Ground Zero is owned by the New York and New Jersey Port Authority. The same quasi-state run organization that owns and operates many of the bridges in and around New York and New Jersey, and the three major airports in New York and New Jersey; LaGuardia, JFK, and Newark Liberty. Now, I call this a quasi-state run entity because it is just that, the governors of each state appoint a number of board members to oversee and run the organization, since they are not elected officials, and not all of their proceeds come from state funds, it is not entirely a state run organization.
With some basic background facts out of the way, to the real meat of this ludicrous discussion. The Port Authority has a plan, set into place, that they are moving forward on to rebuild at Ground Zero. In none of these plans that are present, or any of the previous plans that were considered was there ever an idea of a Mosque, or any other place of worship for any faith. Don't believe me? Look it up, the Port Authority has an easy to access and easy to use website that spells all of this out, and just in case any of you are web-surfing novices, I will include a web address at the end of this message.
So, why were there no major networks present to cover this protest against something that does not exist? Because anyone who will take five minutes to research the facts surrounding this "controversy" will find that these peoples' arguments are baseless, ignorant, and hateful. You can come to your own conclusions as to why certain groups and certain people harbor these feelings, like anything else if you take the time to discover the facts you will clearly see what is happening.
I hope that this information is helpful to all of you, and I hope that you will not promote this hatred and bigotry that I fear may ruin our country. I will say that the great thing about America is that everyone, Christians, Jews, Muslims, Hindus, Buddhists all have the right to worship the way they see fit for themselves and their faith, and I am proud that in America you even have the right to be free from religion if that fits your convictions. I also am proud that I live in a country where people from different faiths and backgrounds can speak out freely because of their convictions. I will even defend the right of these misinformed bigots to stand up against whatever false threats they conjure up next. But I will also exercise my rights to speak out against them, and point out their bigotry, their hatred, and their lies. John Stuart Mill, a British philosopher who greatly influenced many American ideals of freedom argued for freedom of speech with the idea of the free marketplace of ideas; the truth and the best ideas would rise to the top, and be accepted by society if all ideas were allowed to be brought to the table, and citizens took it upon themselves to be informed. I think that his vision can be right, but another famous leader, Adolph Hitler once said that if a lie is repeated enough times, with enough conviction it inherently becomes truth. Please stand up with me to ensure that Mill's vision of freedom and truth comes to be, and not Hitler's vision of "truth".
Peace,
Sean
http://www.panynj.gov/wtcprogress/wtc-site-plan.html
Censored Protest at Ground Zero
Americans Stand Up Against Radical Islam in New York
On Sunday, June 6th, a multi-ethnic, multi-racial coalition of Americans opposed to Islamic violence and intolerance rallied at the site of the World Trade Center in New York City .
9/11 families were joined by immigrants from India, Russia, Egypt, Israel, Africa, Iran and Europe to show opposition to the construction of a mega-mosque at Ground Zero. Others flew in from overseas to speak or just to share their particular ethnic communities’ experiences at the hands of Muslims.
These are parents and spouses of firefighters killed on 9/11. The rally took place just a minute’s walk from Ladder 10 Firehouse, where their loved ones were stationed for duty that terrible day. Ladder 10 lost seven firefighters.
Crowd estimates ranged from 5,000 (NYPD) to 10,000. The crowd overflowed the police barrier enclosures that ran the full length of two city blocks. This photo shows the enclosure in front of the stage at the intersection of Liberty and Church Streets. The second enclosure ran the length of the next block and can be seen on the other side of the traffic lights.
Thousands of additional participants filled the treed area of Zuccotti Park .
Robert Spencer and Pamela Geller are the founders of STOP ISLAMIZATION OF AMERICA, which sponsored the rally. Ms. Geller is a citizen journalist and blogger who runs the human rights web site Atlas Shrugs. Mr. Spencer is the author of several books on Islam and head of the influential web site Jihad watch. Pamela Geller:
“Ground Zero is a war memorial, Ground Zero is a burial ground. We are asking for sensitivity…It is unconscionable to build a shrine to the very ideology that inspired the jihadist attacks at Ground Zero, right there. We are asking the imam Rauf and Daisy Khan to be sensitive. For mutual respect and mutual understanding that is demanded of us every day.
There’s a hair-trigger sensitivity in the Muslim world, you can’t run the cartoons, you can’t say Mohammed, this is offensive. This is an offensive mosque. To build a shrine, an Islamic flag of conquest on the sacred ground the cherished site, of a conquered land. This is historic, this is Islamic history. It’s what they do. The St. Sofia in Turkey , the al-Quds, at the holiest Jewish site in Israel . Not here. This is where we take a stand. We must take a stand. We must say no.”
I do not believe that the landmarks commission controlled by Mayor Bloomberg, is going to stop this mosque. It’s not going to happen. Here’s Omar Muhamedi, on his human rights council, a CAIR lawyer, who sued the airlines and the Jane and John Does that saw something and said something on those airplanes, if you remember. That’s who’s on his human rights commission. It ain’t gonna happen with Bloomberg. We have to make it happen. You have to get involved.” ( Pamela Geller)
Police enclosure on left, with crowd flowing out of park on right. The new Tower 7 and World Trade Center site are in the background. The green tent, center, is located immediately behind the stage.
Port Authority and NYPD officers kept watch over the rally and were well aware of the need for heightened security at this event. One of their own Port Authority officers, WTC Sergeant Alan T. De Vona was on duty at the World Trade Center on 9/11, 2001, and was one of the first to help victims of the terrorist attack. He spoke these words to the SIOA rally:
“It’s almost nine years. I’m hoping that America is watching. I’m hoping that America is remembering. Because, make no mistake. September 11 was an act of war. And thank the military that has lost almost 5,000 troops from that day, defending us. I don’t know what to say to jar America ’s memory. I want America to remember.
Port Authority Police and FDNY firefighters are seen here gathered beneath this banner.
The issues at stake will certainly affect the heart of American freedom, democracy, cultural values and tolerance. America is a tolerant country that allows for the free worship of all its citizens. But our tolerance has limits. Do we have to tolerate intolerant Islamic ideology and Muslims who preach intolerant Islam?”
Hindu human rights activists Narain Kataria, Prasad Yalamanchi and unidentified friend came from Mississippi and Chicago with banners and flyers highlighting the radical statements of imam Rauf and his jihadist roots.
Stephen Dyer and Gary Jules journalism students at York College, with Pamela Geller. Not one major network sent a satellite truck or camera crew to this event. Without bloggers this newsworthy event would have remained unknown to the public and history.
Pamela Geller is greeted by Hindu human rights activists Prasad Yalamanchi and Narain Kataria.
Bhupinder Singh Bhurji, Pamela Geller, and Robert Spencer. Singh Bhurji is the president of the NAMDHARI SIKH FOUNDATION. The foundation is a member of the Human Rights Coalition Against Radical Islam (HRCARI). HRCARI is a coalition of Hindus, Sikhs, Christians from Sudan, Egypt and Iraq, moderate Muslims and Jews — who are victims and targets of radical Islam around the globe. He said, at another rally:
“Radical Islamists are killing people in India , trying to dominate that nation. And here too they come with violence against “infidels.” We are “infidels united,” standing together, brown, black and white, against this epoch’s fascist movement. Radical Islam wants to dominate entire world. They want everyone to surrender. Islam radical or otherwise. They want to put the Islamic flag on White House.”
Because of Islamic terrorism, America and the world have seen massive new security measures become a way of life. Anyone openly critical of Islam, or terrorist ideology, must surround themselves with security, or live in hiding. Those courageous enough to confront Islamism are criticized by the cowards and appeasers of the left who seek safety by supporting the enemy. Moderate Muslims were silent when Theo van Gogh was brutally murdered in Amsterdam , just as moderate Muslims in the United States are generally reluctant to speak out against violent Islam. Moderate Muslims also face great danger in speaking out.
Geller and Spencer will press on despite the danger. They hope to inspire Americans to stand up and say enough of political correctness and work to stem the galloping islamization of America and Europe .
Tuesday, May 4, 2010
Supporting the Troops
While Facebooking my life away today, I came across one of those gimmicky "support the troops, they fight for freedom" posts, and something struck me. It struck me pretty hard, so hard in fact that after making my remarks to the post itself I simply had to put it down somewhere else. Before we go any further, it is important to clarify that I have no problem with anyone who signs up to be in the United States Military. As an advocate of freedom, and freedom of choices, if that happens to be your career choice, you are as entitled to is as I should be to be able to write subversive material and make a living off of it. My issue is that as much as the troops may go through during a time of war, there's not a single one of my rights or freedoms that have been fought for or won by the US military. I guess there's a little bit of gray area there for Washington's army in the Revolutionary War, but aside from that really, never have my rights or freedoms been "protected" by the US military.
I realize what I'm saying is going to be incredibly unpopular, and if I get any feedback at all, it will probably be negative. But this needs to be cleared up. My freedom of speech is protected by the First Amendment to the Constitution, as are my rights to freedom of and from religion, and my freedom of assembly; my right to bear arms is guaranteed by the second amendment; I will never have to house members of the military in a time of peace or war thanks to the third amendment; I am protected from warrantless searches and seizures of property on account of the fourth, and the list goes on. These rights were not established by the US military. These rights were painstakingly hammered out by delegations from thirteen separate states. They were upheld by effective and powerful courts. In fact, America, land of the free and home of the brave was such even before 1945. 1945 is significant because that is the year that Harry Truman signed legislation that put into place a full time standing army, something that was "un-American" for the first hundred and fifty years of this country's existence. Prior to 1945, was America not free? I mean, there was no standing military, so does that mean that there really wasn't any freedom? Cause I'm told that I have to thank troops for my freedom...
Clearly, in 1945 there were groups of people that were less free, and since then there have always been abuses by our government of the liberties of marginalized groups. Socialists and Communists, some of the hardest working and most dedicated Americans were marginalized and pushed practically out of society, even though if it weren't for them we would not have labor laws, work safety standards, and child labor laws. Not the Military. Environmentalists fought our government in the 1960's and 1970's to get better environmental standards so that people my age could enjoy some of nature's beauty, and not have to deal with unclean air and unsafe water. Our government has done much to marginalize them. Female activists fought long and hard to guarantee the right for women to vote - not the military - the American Civil Liberties Union has fought the government on a huge number of issues that guarantee your freedoms and mine - not the military - the list goes on and on. We can all agree that freedom is good, liberties, rights, the pursuit of happiness, these are all wonderful things, but I want to make very clear that our government has been opposed to almost every one of the advances in freedom in the long history of this wonderful country. Now this is not a rant to call out against any government, or even a call to arms to "shrink" government. But it is important to recognize that if we are going to give credit to groups of people that sacrificed for our freedom, I think it only fair to actually credit those responsible rather than simply manufacturing some phony justification for our sometimes questionable military involvement around the world.
Simply, I am thankful for the working class, underpaid, overworked social and political activists that have come before me to make this land a free land for you and me. - not the troops -
thank you and have a nice day
I realize what I'm saying is going to be incredibly unpopular, and if I get any feedback at all, it will probably be negative. But this needs to be cleared up. My freedom of speech is protected by the First Amendment to the Constitution, as are my rights to freedom of and from religion, and my freedom of assembly; my right to bear arms is guaranteed by the second amendment; I will never have to house members of the military in a time of peace or war thanks to the third amendment; I am protected from warrantless searches and seizures of property on account of the fourth, and the list goes on. These rights were not established by the US military. These rights were painstakingly hammered out by delegations from thirteen separate states. They were upheld by effective and powerful courts. In fact, America, land of the free and home of the brave was such even before 1945. 1945 is significant because that is the year that Harry Truman signed legislation that put into place a full time standing army, something that was "un-American" for the first hundred and fifty years of this country's existence. Prior to 1945, was America not free? I mean, there was no standing military, so does that mean that there really wasn't any freedom? Cause I'm told that I have to thank troops for my freedom...
Clearly, in 1945 there were groups of people that were less free, and since then there have always been abuses by our government of the liberties of marginalized groups. Socialists and Communists, some of the hardest working and most dedicated Americans were marginalized and pushed practically out of society, even though if it weren't for them we would not have labor laws, work safety standards, and child labor laws. Not the Military. Environmentalists fought our government in the 1960's and 1970's to get better environmental standards so that people my age could enjoy some of nature's beauty, and not have to deal with unclean air and unsafe water. Our government has done much to marginalize them. Female activists fought long and hard to guarantee the right for women to vote - not the military - the American Civil Liberties Union has fought the government on a huge number of issues that guarantee your freedoms and mine - not the military - the list goes on and on. We can all agree that freedom is good, liberties, rights, the pursuit of happiness, these are all wonderful things, but I want to make very clear that our government has been opposed to almost every one of the advances in freedom in the long history of this wonderful country. Now this is not a rant to call out against any government, or even a call to arms to "shrink" government. But it is important to recognize that if we are going to give credit to groups of people that sacrificed for our freedom, I think it only fair to actually credit those responsible rather than simply manufacturing some phony justification for our sometimes questionable military involvement around the world.
Simply, I am thankful for the working class, underpaid, overworked social and political activists that have come before me to make this land a free land for you and me. - not the troops -
thank you and have a nice day
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