Life, Liberty, and the persuit of Happiness
Tuesday, December 13, 2005
So it should be clear to my audience of at least 3 that I'm pretty independent as far as the government goes. Ya know what? I don't mind governement... I mind a hidden government. I mind a government that wishes to abridge my interests and hides itself in a shroud of self-protectionism and secrecy. That's what I mind.
So let's take, for instance, the USA Patriot Act. It's up for renewal now that four years have passed since September 11th, 2001 ( I refuse to call it 9/11 since I hate catch-phrases). However, some of the initial provisions are set to expire and Congress is debating how to renew it. This is where the big battle over civil liberties begins.
My personal belief on this matter is that civil liberties are the core of the American experience. They define us as Americans; our committment to our civil liberties and our willingness to fight for them. Protecting our civil liberties is and should be one of the chief jobs of our goverment, for we are a nation of individuals united. Hence, the United States of America. As cliche as this has become, old Ben Franklin had it right when he said, "Any society that would give up a little liberty to gain a little security will deserve neither and lose both." We, as free and independent Americans, must not be willing to sacrifice our liberties for the sake of the fight on terrorism. Instead, we must face the fears and accept the risks of being truly free people... I know I would.
So let's take, for instance, the USA Patriot Act. It's up for renewal now that four years have passed since September 11th, 2001 ( I refuse to call it 9/11 since I hate catch-phrases). However, some of the initial provisions are set to expire and Congress is debating how to renew it. This is where the big battle over civil liberties begins.
My personal belief on this matter is that civil liberties are the core of the American experience. They define us as Americans; our committment to our civil liberties and our willingness to fight for them. Protecting our civil liberties is and should be one of the chief jobs of our goverment, for we are a nation of individuals united. Hence, the United States of America. As cliche as this has become, old Ben Franklin had it right when he said, "Any society that would give up a little liberty to gain a little security will deserve neither and lose both." We, as free and independent Americans, must not be willing to sacrifice our liberties for the sake of the fight on terrorism. Instead, we must face the fears and accept the risks of being truly free people... I know I would.
posted by Burton at 11:32 PM
1 Comments:
I think our cousin Justin said it best on the banner he hung from an overpass in Austin the day after elections last year... "WE'RE FUCKED"
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