Collin, I think some of the paranoia comes from the way our leaders
repeatedly describe the current situation. Yes, we lost freedoms in past
conflicts and yes those freedoms were restored and wrongs committed during
those times were acknowledged if not corrected. But when our leaders say
over and over that the current "war" is a war without limits and covering an
indefinite span of time, we have the right, no the duty to be suspicious of
our governments attempts to curtail our freedoms. I'll be the first to
admit that America has many faults but its notion of the importance of
freedom is not among them. Ayn Rand, proving everyone is right once in a
while, once said that "The only power any government has is the power to
crack down on criminals. Well, when there aren't enough criminals, one makes
them. One declares so many things to be a crime that it becomes impossible
for men to live without breaking laws. " I'm afraid we are perilously close
to that situation now.
Evan
----- Original Message -----
From: "Collin Brendemuehl" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>
Subject: Re: OT: Whining about "Security"
>
> We live in an age of paranoia.
> Everyone, it seems, is scared of something. Irregardless of how
> ill-founded the fear is.
> We lost freedom during the Civil War (habeus corpus) but that was
restored;
> during WWII (movement & purchase power), but they were restored;
> what's happening now is no different, and the freedoms will return
afterward.
> If it's not a fear of politicians (Bush/Ashcroft) talking about monitoring
> communications
> it's reacting to others (Clinton/Daschle) who blame contrary ideas
> ("conservative talk radio")
> for the Murrah bombing and so much else.
>
> The paranoia is rampant.
> Let's just be aware of our freedom and work *intelligently* to preserve
it.
>
> Collin
>
