As I watch what is happening in the world around me lately, I am growing more and more concerned for the protection of the basic civil rights protected by the constitution. I am not a Republican or Democrat, I don't fully agree with either party, and often strongly disagree with both. Omar and I both are free from party affiliation and try to vote based on issues and candidates.
As our new president took office, I didn't vote for him, but decided to give him the benefit of the doubt and see what he would do. I thought he had some good ideas about things, like governmental transparency, and I was excited to see that happen. While I disagreed in other areas, I didn't think too much harm could be done.
Now as I read the news each night, I am more and more awe-struck at the freedoms being taken from the American people. It was one thing when the Patriot Act started invading privacy and listening in on folks. It's quite another thing to try and silence and black-list dissenting voices. The White House war with Fox News (which for full disclosure is not where I usually go for news even) shocks and horrifies me. The Pay Czar cutting pay in private companies scares me. Now the White House wants to take down the Chamber of Commerce for disagreeing about health care reform. Every day it seems like there is more news about how freedoms I could never have imagined being threatened in the United States are now being threatened.
I disagree with lots of laws and policies, but I know that even if they are enacted they can be changed. But I am so afraid that we are quietly sitting by while the constitution is eroded, and I don't see any easy way to regain lost freedoms.
Then today when I went to LDS.org I found a speech by Dallin H. Oaks about how our religious freedoms are threatened. I loved what he had to say, and think everyone should read it.
I don't know what the answer is. But I know we the people have got to something, now. Any ideas?
I absolutely agree with you! I am terrified as to where this country is headed. Unfortunately I don't know what to do because the white house is good at eliminating any threats. Let me know if you come up with anything.
ReplyDeleteI completely agree with you. The quote from Ezra Taft Benson scares me, it comes as a warning from Kruschev "...You Americans are so gullible. No, you won't accept communism outright but we'll keep feeding you small doses of socialism until you finally wake up and find you already have communism. We won't have to fight you. We'll so weaken your economy until you fall like overripe fruit into our hands."
ReplyDeleteWe are all feeling helpless, and if we speak out, it feels like a mob will come knocking on your door. Do you remember when President Obama said he wants to raise up a civilian force stronger than our military? Sounds a little like the "communist cadres" from China, and Russia. We will soon fear our own neighbors. I really hope this next election turn the tide, and he will be a one-term president.
I can see everyone’s concern, but I do not completely agree with everything. I definitely agree that the government should not have tried to silence Fox News. Everyone has a right to voice their opinions and we as citizens are entitled to multiple opinions; we as individuals ultimately have the right to decide what we choose to believe not the government. Heck if the KKK can hold demonstrations and state their opinion, then Fox News should be allowed to challenge the White House.
ReplyDeleteI cannot comment on the Chamber of Commerce part because I do not know anything about that...that might be problematic and I guess further reinforces what Kiahna mentioned about the government doing things that go unnoticed, but at any rate.
Now I am for the “Pay Czar.” I know what you are thinking, if the government can come into these few private companies and start setting some limits, then who is to say they will stop with these companies. I agree, but how else are we going to be able to hold these companies accountable. The government decided to give these companies money in order for them to stay at float, but instead of allocating the money appropriately many of the top CEOs gave themselves bonus. And really is setting these wealthy peoples’ salary cap at $500,000 such as bad thing…I cannot imagine that they are hurting.
Hopefully I made some sense. I writing this while I wait to take my Writing Proficiency Exam for grad school, yikes.