Showing posts with label liberty. Show all posts
Showing posts with label liberty. Show all posts

Sunday, May 26, 2013

To Those Who Gave All For America, Thank You

   Memorial day is a time that all Americans reflect back on those men and women who have sacrificed themselves in the service to us and our great nation. I can think of no thing more honorable or special to write about than a tribute to the heroes of America.

   In the 18th century we fought America's first war, the War of Independence. America was born from that unlikely success we enjoyed way back then, when states didn't exist yet, only colonies loosely united. But even back 237 years ago when its people were being treated with contempt and disdain, those early Americans rose up and went forth in the face of overwhelming odds to defend this land and its people against the tyranny being imposed on it by a ruler an ocean away.

   Thousands gave their lives way back then so that their children and their childrens children would be able to live in a land of freedom. We had forefathers who had the insight and wisdom to provide us with a road map for democracy, the Constitution and the Bill of rights, perhaps the most important documents ever written. Those revolutionary soldiers set the standard of what Americas military would become, a proud professional force whose courage and honor could not be surpassed, and whose strength on the field of battle would become legendary.

   In the first half of the 19th century the military proved it's abilities in two major conflicts, the war of 1812 and the Mexican American war. In 1861 our great nation faced its worst nightmare, a civil war. The American civil war threatened to tear the United States apart forever, and although it began as a war for states rights, its ultimate cause would be for the enforcement of that which is written in our Constitution, that "all men are created equal."

   The civil war succeeded in putting right a situation that shamed America, abolishing slavery. The civil war cost over 600,000 American lives, by far more than all other wars combined to that point in time, but it also brought a new beginning to these still United States of America. We ended the 19th century with the Spanish American war, where we established our military reach virtually around the world. Early in the 20th century America was quickly becoming an industrial giant and its influence in world affairs growing. Beginning in 1914 European nations entered war with each other that would eventually draw in most of the world.

   Although The United States attempted to keep itself isolated from the conflict, we too were drawn into battle. By having our brave fighting men entering what was called the "war to end all wars", the gridlock was broken and the Americans and their allies were the victors in what would be known as World War I. This was a turning point for Americas military, we had gone abroad in the defense of other nations right to freedom.

   Twenty one years later the European nations again found themselves at war with each other, and we again attempted to stay removed from their conflict. However over the next 2 years it was becoming more and more apparent that the only way this new war would end with the worlds freedom intact would be for the United States to once again enter the fray. While our nation was debating on whether or not to become involved, the decision was made for us on December 7, 1941. That day Japan attacked our Pacific fleet in Pearl harbor and decimated our battleships, it had also attacked our military bases throughout the Pacific. The next day we declared war on Japan, a short time later Japans allies, Germany and Italy declared war on the United States.

   Once again the entire world was at war with each other, and once again the brave men and women of America stood up and took their place in the defense of freedom. For four years the might of the American military fought battles worldwide and in 1945 became the victors over tyranny. That massive war cost over half a million American lives, lives sacrificed on foreign soil in the name of freedom. Just 5 years later we again found ourselves engulfed in a conflict in Korea that would claim thousands of American lives. In the 1960's and 70's the Vietnam war would cost over 50,000 brave Americans their lives.

    Through the 1980's and 90's Americas military answered the call to battle and did their duty without question. Here in the 21st century Americas fighting men and women have again been sent to foreign lands and again have given their all while representing this nation. All throughout the history of our great nation the bravery and honor of the men and women of Americas military have gone unquestioned, and their integrity and strength are unequaled in the world today.

   To the countless number of those American heroes who gave their lives, and the families that lost them, we owe our undying gratitude and thanks, for without their great sacrifices we would not have a United States of America, and the world would be a much different place. So be grateful everyday, but be especially grateful today, and say a prayer of thanks to the ones who made freedom possible for us all. May God bless America, and the brave men and women who protect it every day.   

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Saturday, April 20, 2013

It's The "Rights" Thing To Do

Tamerlan and Dzhokhar Tsarnaev
   First things first. I think the men that bombed Boston are despicable, good riddance to the dead one and may his brother suffer every day of his life for their actions. It is my complete belief that any and all who engage in the murder of innocent people to bring attention to their particular cause should suffer endlessly and experience the pain in measure which they so casually inflict on others.

   I have no sympathy for these individuals, and I believe that no punishment is too harsh for them

   That being said, I also believe all American citizens should be afforded the due process that our Constitution guarantees them, regardless of the severity of their offenses.

   There is nothing in the Bill of Rights that says a person has a right to free speech unless we don't think they deserve it. It doesn't say we have the right to a free press unless they say bad things about us

   . The United States of America was founded on principles that were conceived and committed to writing by men who witnessed the tyranny and unfairness of regimes of their day on an ongoing basis.

   Our founding fathers fought and died for the ability of their children, and their childrens' children, and all who follow to have the opportunity to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. These weren't convenient ideas for them, they were core beliefs that they knew were required for a free and open society.

   In the 237 years since the signing of the Declaration of Independence this nation has witnessed many situations that tested these concepts. Some for the good, some not so good.

    The founding fathers gave us the flexibility to amend those laws with a two-thirds majority vote by the individual States. However, beginning in the 1970's, we have had those in power slowly nibbling away those rights. Using Presidential powers, our various rights have been curtailed in the name of national security or other powerfully worded reasons.

   The slow erosion of these rights continued throughout the 80s and 90s, regardless of what particular party was in the White House. Then came 9/11, beginning that day and continuing to the present time, the rate at which our rights are being ignored and trampled on has expanded exponentially.

   We are told that withholding Miranda rights was needed to safeguard the public, we have a government that can declare you a terrorist and incarcerate you without charges; or send a Drone to kill you.

    We have witnessed a veritable martial law declared on a major U.S. city, and the passing of Presidential orders giving law enforcement a virtual free pass to stop, interrogate and detain any citizen it feels poses a threat.

   The treatment of prisoners deemed terrorists by our government was a harbinger of things to come, unspecified detention without charges, refusal of legal representation, torture, disregard for habeas corpus.

    The declaration of a "war on terror" is more than a mere phrase; in legal terms a "state of war" gives special powers to the President that would not otherwise exist. Bush and his criminal posse took these powers to their limit and beyond anything resembling legality, and we let them get away with it.

   Now it seems the great hope we have placed in our current President may have proven to be a disappointing dream. Same shit, different day.

    Why are we allowing this to go on? It's because we have been told that we should be scared. Scared of the Islamic boogey-man -- scared of the illegal immigrant coming for your job -- scared, scared, scared, scared, scared.

   We have become a nation of apathetic frightened ostriches, sticking our heads in the ground and hoping the bad things don't see us. Well it's time to wake up and open your eyes and your mouth about what's going on. Taking your rights does not make you safer, it makes you vulnerable to those who would like nothing more than to enslave you and lord power over you.

   We live in a once great country, but history has proven over and over that even great countries can fall if not kept in check. There is a saying,"Those who would trade freedom for security deserve neither." 

    I hope we are deserving...

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