| Power misplaced, abused in America |
| Thursday, 16 June 2005 | ||||
China. North Korea. Uganda. Each of these countries was given the lowest rating (seven) for political rights and civil liberties by Freedom House, a self-proclaimed non-partisan proponent for democracy and freedom around the world. The United States of America received a ?one? rating, the highest possible measurement of political rights and civil liberties. Recent events, however, leave me wondering when our country shall fall to a rating of two or three. I also wonder about the accuracy of the current ratings. On June 6, the United States Supreme Court ruled that federal authorities may legally prosecute people who smoke or grow marijuana for medical use, even in states where medical use is legal. Ten states currently allow people to grow, smoke or obtain marijuana for medical needs with a physician?s recommendation. Marijua na has been prescribed to treat patients with cancer, HIV, glaucoma and other illnesses. More pertinent, however, is the striking blow this ruling gives to federalism (states? rights), a concept our nation was founded on. Now, in spite of medical marijuana laws created by legislators for their own state, the federal government has final jurisdiction. State law, thus, is null and void. The precedent set by this ruling could have frightening consequences. We may soon know them. Now, just a few years after passage of the U.S.A. P.A.T.R.I.O.T. Act, the Bush Administration is making a push for the Domestic Security Enhancement Act, essentially, ?Patriot Act 2.? The first Patriot Act is so detrimental to constitutional rights and civil liberties that 384 communities, including the states of Colorado, Montana, Idaho, Maine, Vermont, Alaska and Hawaii, as well as the cities of New York, Los Angeles, Washington, D.C., Atlanta and Chicago, have passe d resolutions condemning it. Boone passed one of these resolutions almost a year ago on June 29. Patriot Act Jr., in perhaps a sick parody of the Bush sequel, is even more terrifying than its predecessor. According to the American Civil Liberties Union, under this law, if passed, the federal government would not have to disclose the names of detainees connected in a terror investigation, even American citizens, until criminal charges are filed (no matter how long it takes.) Federal authorities could spy on religious and political groups and obtain credit and library records without a warrant. Wiretaps without a court order would be permissible for up to 15 days following a terrorist attack. There are more shocking constitutional abuses in this bill and I encourage you to read about them. As power continues to be slyfully seized from the people and states of America and further concentrated into the hands of the federal government, name ly the president and his bureaucracy, I have to wonder, again, where is the dissent? Many scholars speak of how docility in nations of the past eventually led to their demise. Why are we letting this happen? Democratic Party Chairman Howard Dean has been criticized for his blunt, abrasive verbal attacks against Republicans recently. Even some Democrats shy away from being so bold. To me, Dean?s remarks are a breath of fresh air. Finally, a progressive is taking a stand, but unless we join him, one may not be enough. This Fourth of July, many people will celebrate the history and freedom of this country. But I have to ask, exactly how free are we? Anna Oakes, a senior journalism major from Lenoir, is a staff writer.
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