On Sat, 20 Sep 2003 22:54:32 -0400 Joel Hammer <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote:
For the second time I move this discussion to general (as have others
tried to do).
> Geez, they just arrested a Muslim army Chaplain (West Point Grad,
> Asian American, studied in Syria), who worked with the Muslims held in
> Cuba. They are seeing spies under every bed, now.
Not a good sign.
[snip]
> It is interesting to see how people, sometimes the same people, sing
> different tunes, depending on the situation. For example, many critics
> of Bush complain that Iraq may have freedom now, but what good is
> freedom without security? This is often repeated, and given credence
> by many prominent Americans. However, in this country, they complain
> about the slightest infringement of civil liberties. It is even more
> interesting that the infringements are especially irksome if carried
> out in the name of national security. Infringements in the the name of
> some favored cause, like conservation, campaign finance reform,
> diversity, abortion rights, gun control, etc., are much more
> tolerable.
No. I'm just as much against _any_ infringements. I oppose banning
abortion, guns, books, people, etc. I've also learned though, that
voicing my opposition to a religious belief (abortion) only gets the
zealots on both sides going.
Now, I understand and accept there are people who think they need to
kill me (for whatever reason). And if they try, I expect they'll then
be jailed. However, I don't want a meddlesome government (or anyone
else) looking over my shoulder. I don't think they should be looking
over yours either. I especially don't think they should be given the
power to arbitrarily arrest anyone for any reason. If that person is a
demonstrable danger to someone else (he's on a rooftop shooting at
people) then he needs to be dealt with. I believe in our founding
principles, such as innocent until proven guilty, and that folks have
the right to say what they like (except of course shouting "fire" in a
crowded theater).
Thinking and saying are a long way from acting on those thoughts and
words. I may not agree with you, but I'll defend your right to your
opinion. Just don't try to force me to agree. Yet governments that
move toward totalitarianism slowly stop upholding your right to your
opinion and eventually insist (then coerce and eventually legislate)
that the party line be your line too.
> Just something to think about.
I have thought about it. And what I think is that HS has good
intentions, but I'll also point out the road to hell is paved with good
intentions.
Ciao,
David A. Bandel
--
Focus on the dream, not the competition.
Nemesis Racing Team motto
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