Not as far as I can tell.
Showing posts with label freedom. Show all posts
Showing posts with label freedom. Show all posts
Thursday, August 2, 2012
Wednesday, July 4, 2012
Quote Of The Day - Independence Day Edition
July 4th, 2012
"Our country, this great republic, means nothing unless it means the triumph of a real democracy, the triumph of a popular government, and, in the long run, of an economic system under which each man shall be guaranteed the opportunity to show the best that there is in him."
-- Teddy Roosevelt, August 31st, 1910
-- Teddy Roosevelt, August 31st, 1910
Wednesday, April 4, 2012
Monday, February 27, 2012
Friday, February 3, 2012
Quotes Of The Day
Feb 3rd, 2012
"All possess alike liberty of conscience and immunities of citizenship.
It is now no more that toleration is spoken of, as if it was by the indulgence of one class of people that another enjoyed the exercise of their inherent natural rights.
Or, to put it more simply...
It is now no more that toleration is spoken of, as if it was by the indulgence of one class of people that another enjoyed the exercise of their inherent natural rights.
For happily the government of the United States, which gives to bigotry no sanction, to persecution no assistance, requires only that they who live under its protection should demean themselves as good citizens."
-- George Washington
-- George Washington
Or, to put it more simply...
"The government of the United States of America is not in any sense founded on the Christian Religion."
-- John Adams
-- John Adams
Wednesday, December 28, 2011
The Best Speech Ever Given
Dec 28th, 2011
A stunning reworking of the climactic last monologue from Charles Chaplin's "The Great Dictator."
A stunning reworking of the climactic last monologue from Charles Chaplin's "The Great Dictator."
Saturday, December 24, 2011
The Boston DA Vs Twitter
Dec 24th, 2011
The Boston District Attorney has apparently subpoenaed twitter for a huge amount of personal information corresponding to citizens that tweeted about that city's Occupy Movement.
To the left is the cover page of their request that twitter violate the privacy of thousands of users.
Privacy SOS reports:
"On December 20, 2011, Twitter revealed to the targets that Assistant District Attorney of Suffolk County (Boston) Benjamin Goldberger had subpoenaed their account information in a document dated December 14, 2011. ADA Goldberger asked for:"
They targeted not only specific users, but also all personal information related to several hashtags. Twitter did do the right thing. Instead of honoring the ADA's request or their demand that the subpoena be kept secret, they went public and contacted the individual targets directly.
The Boston District Attorney has apparently subpoenaed twitter for a huge amount of personal information corresponding to citizens that tweeted about that city's Occupy Movement.
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| CLICK IMAGE FOR BETTER VIEW via |
Privacy SOS reports:
"On December 20, 2011, Twitter revealed to the targets that Assistant District Attorney of Suffolk County (Boston) Benjamin Goldberger had subpoenaed their account information in a document dated December 14, 2011. ADA Goldberger asked for:"
They targeted not only specific users, but also all personal information related to several hashtags. Twitter did do the right thing. Instead of honoring the ADA's request or their demand that the subpoena be kept secret, they went public and contacted the individual targets directly.
He also suggests that citizens contact ADA Goldberger and "ask him what his office is up to," with the caveat, "but you really should keep it polite -- he seems pretty litigious."
Mr. Goldberger is attempting cast a net wide enough to expose the IP addresses of anyone who had the audacity to speak about a political issue.
It's not just bullshit. It's seriously frightening bullshit.
Friday, December 9, 2011
S1867 - Still In Play, Still A Threat
Dec 9th, 2011
UPDATE: 12/12/2011 The original image we included was found to be tremendously upsetting by some readers (it is available HERE). We think this replacement still makes our point.
It increasingly appears that, one way or another, the covert arrest of American citizens on our own soil and their indefinite detention without trial or open review, dictated by 'classified' officials, will become the "law" of the land, perhaps, along with a return to "enhanced interrogation."
Without the free and open judicial system that was an essential predicate of our founders, this means that the shocking image above and to the left actually could be your father, your son, your wife or even your daughter.
They could be in the wrong place at the wrong time.
For the sake of argument, let's say that some online password to a bank account gets hacked and a few hundred dollars gets transferred to "the enemy." This transfer qualifies, under the pending legislation, as "terrorist support." Let us now admit that investigators, as they so often have done, might get it wrong.
The wrong guy gets followed. The wrong house gets raided. The wrong family's dog gets shot.
It. Happens. All. The. Time.
Now; let's picture an American citizen who has been wronged this badly being denied access to a civil attorney or even a phone.
How can they possibly communicate that they have been unjustly arrested? Or abused? They cannot, potentially, ever.
Within the provisions of the 2012 NDAA, it is more than plausible that an arrest under such circumstances might not be much different than a Chilean disappearance under Pinochet.
Where openness is abandoned, tyranny reigns.
Donny Shaw writes for Open Congress:
"At this point, the House and Senate have both passed their versions of the bill (H.R.1540 andS.1867), but they have disagreement on several provisions, including a provision opposed by the Obama Administration that would require the military to indefinitely detain terrorism suspects, including American citizens living in the U.S., without charge or trial.
With the House having voted 406-17 to “close” portions of the meetings and avoid public scrutiny, members from both chambers and both parties are meeting in a secretive conference committee to work on reconciling the differences between the House and Senate versions of the bill. On the military detention provision, their main task is going to be to find a solution that can pass both chambers (again) and not draw a veto from President Obama."
We have beaten our heads against the walL trying to draw attention to this madness HERE, HERE, HERE, HERE, HERE, HERE, HERE, HERE, and HERE.
UPDATE: 12/12/2011 The original image we included was found to be tremendously upsetting by some readers (it is available HERE). We think this replacement still makes our point.
Without the free and open judicial system that was an essential predicate of our founders, this means that the shocking image above and to the left actually could be your father, your son, your wife or even your daughter.
They could be in the wrong place at the wrong time.
For the sake of argument, let's say that some online password to a bank account gets hacked and a few hundred dollars gets transferred to "the enemy." This transfer qualifies, under the pending legislation, as "terrorist support." Let us now admit that investigators, as they so often have done, might get it wrong.
The wrong guy gets followed. The wrong house gets raided. The wrong family's dog gets shot.
It. Happens. All. The. Time.
Now; let's picture an American citizen who has been wronged this badly being denied access to a civil attorney or even a phone.
How can they possibly communicate that they have been unjustly arrested? Or abused? They cannot, potentially, ever.
Within the provisions of the 2012 NDAA, it is more than plausible that an arrest under such circumstances might not be much different than a Chilean disappearance under Pinochet.
Where openness is abandoned, tyranny reigns.
Donny Shaw writes for Open Congress:
"At this point, the House and Senate have both passed their versions of the bill (H.R.1540 andS.1867), but they have disagreement on several provisions, including a provision opposed by the Obama Administration that would require the military to indefinitely detain terrorism suspects, including American citizens living in the U.S., without charge or trial.
With the House having voted 406-17 to “close” portions of the meetings and avoid public scrutiny, members from both chambers and both parties are meeting in a secretive conference committee to work on reconciling the differences between the House and Senate versions of the bill. On the military detention provision, their main task is going to be to find a solution that can pass both chambers (again) and not draw a veto from President Obama."
We have beaten our heads against the walL trying to draw attention to this madness HERE, HERE, HERE, HERE, HERE, HERE, HERE, HERE, and HERE.
Wednesday, November 30, 2011
Look, It Goes Beyond Party. PERIOD.
Nov 30th, 2011
The fight against S1867 does go beyond petty concerns of party, much less placating immediate fears; it is a question of existential proportions. Are we to become the enemy we behold in order to continue fighting our enemy?
The fight against S1867 does go beyond petty concerns of party, much less placating immediate fears; it is a question of existential proportions. Are we to become the enemy we behold in order to continue fighting our enemy?
Tuesday, November 29, 2011
The Udall Amendment Fails
Nov 29th, 2011
by F. Grey Parker
The vote on Sen. Mark Udall's (D-CO) amendment to stop the draconian Levin/McCain provisions in S 1867, the annual National Defense Appropriations Act, seemed to move almost in slow motion. With no on screen tally, those of us following at home had to keep track as best we could. It was a mercilessly tense process.
Watching so many American Senators, one by one, vote in favor of undermining our core founding principles was not something I ever thought I would live to see.
And yet, there it was.
That the right to a public hearing, trial by jury and the right to confront one's accusers is even subject to debate illustrates just how close our nation has come to destroying itself in the name of "defense."
In the end, the Udall amendment failed. On a 61 to 37 vote, more of the fabric of our freedom was torn apart.
It is time to contact the White House - 202 4561414 - and demand that President Obama veto this atrocity.
As Commander and Chief, he has the power to keep military pay flowing and continue to fund ongoing operations. He is now all that stands between these fear-mongers and the Constitution.
by F. Grey Parker
Watching so many American Senators, one by one, vote in favor of undermining our core founding principles was not something I ever thought I would live to see.
And yet, there it was.
That the right to a public hearing, trial by jury and the right to confront one's accusers is even subject to debate illustrates just how close our nation has come to destroying itself in the name of "defense."
In the end, the Udall amendment failed. On a 61 to 37 vote, more of the fabric of our freedom was torn apart.
It is time to contact the White House - 202 4561414 - and demand that President Obama veto this atrocity.
As Commander and Chief, he has the power to keep military pay flowing and continue to fund ongoing operations. He is now all that stands between these fear-mongers and the Constitution.
Monday, November 28, 2011
Quote Of The Day
Nov 28th, 2011
"I consider trial by jury as the only anchor ever yet imagined by man, by which a government can be held to the principles of its constitution."
-- Thomas Jefferson
-- Thomas Jefferson
Tuesday, November 15, 2011
It's Just An Idea
Nov 15th, 2011
Please call NY city hall at 212-788-3058 and contact NYPD Superintendent Ray Kelly HERE
I have an idea.
It's not terribly original, but I really like it.
Of course, I am prone to childish flights of fancy.
Sorry.
Please call NY city hall at 212-788-3058 and contact NYPD Superintendent Ray Kelly HERE
It's not terribly original, but I really like it.
Of course, I am prone to childish flights of fancy.
Sorry.
Saturday, November 12, 2011
Quote Of The Day
Nov 12th, 2011
"Man is born free, but everywhere he is in chains."
-- Jean Jacques Rousseau
-- Jean Jacques Rousseau
Sunday, October 16, 2011
It Is Going Down In Chicago
Oct 16th, 2011
1:35am CST
Too much is happening and it's happening too fast to keep up. Call Mayor Rahm Emanuel at 312-744-5000 and tell him this is what Democracy looks like... as long as the freely assembled are allowed to... you know... assemble.
1:35am CST
Too much is happening and it's happening too fast to keep up. Call Mayor Rahm Emanuel at 312-744-5000 and tell him this is what Democracy looks like... as long as the freely assembled are allowed to... you know... assemble.
Thursday, September 22, 2011
It REALLY Gets Better
Sept 22nd, 2011
If you have not yet seen this, it is beautiful. Shortly after the official end of DADT, one young serviceman calls his dad... and tells him he is gay.
If you have not yet seen this, it is beautiful. Shortly after the official end of DADT, one young serviceman calls his dad... and tells him he is gay.
Monday, September 12, 2011
Quote Of The Day
Sept 12th, 2011
"How far can you go without destroying from within what you are trying to defend from without?"
-- Dwight D. Eisenhower
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| Image via |
-- Dwight D. Eisenhower
Saturday, August 27, 2011
Quote Of The Day
Aug 27th, 2011
"You can only protect your liberties in this world by protecting the other man's freedom. You can only be free if I am free."
-- Clarence Darrow
-- Clarence Darrow
Wednesday, August 24, 2011
Quote Of The Day
Aug 24th, 2011
"Liberty, according to my metaphysics is a self-determining power in an intellectual agent. It implies thought and choice and power."
-- John Adams
-- John Adams
Saturday, August 13, 2011
Portrait Of The Blogger As A Young Man
Aug 13th, 2011
Sometimes, people ask me, "have you always been this way?" I only ever have one answer; I say, "Yeah... what's your excuse?" This is me, during the first Reagan administration (Summer 1984), at the age of 14... wondering why I am being bothered by my mother while I am trying to read the Sunday New York Times.
Sometimes, people ask me, "have you always been this way?" I only ever have one answer; I say, "Yeah... what's your excuse?" This is me, during the first Reagan administration (Summer 1984), at the age of 14... wondering why I am being bothered by my mother while I am trying to read the Sunday New York Times.
Monday, May 30, 2011
In Memorium
May 30th, 2011
It is with great humility that would should mark this day. Through centuries of conflict, we have risen again and again to the task of guaranteeing freedom as a commonality rather than as the privilege of a very few.
The fight is never finished. There are always winters in our nation's journey. But, there have also always been warriors from our humblest ranks who have fought not to avenge or to impose but to protect and to preserve. For them, I urge all Americans to take a moment of silence and give thanks. That these men and women are memorialized appropriately is our solemn duty.
I can think of no greater words than these upon which we might reflect.
"It is for us the living, rather, to be dedicated here to the unfinished work which they who fought here have thus far so nobly advanced. It is rather for us to be here dedicated to the great task remaining before us -- that from these honored dead we take increased devotion to that cause for which they gave the last full measure of devotion -- that we here highly resolve that these dead shall not have died in vain"
"It is for us the living, rather, to be dedicated here to the unfinished work which they who fought here have thus far so nobly advanced. It is rather for us to be here dedicated to the great task remaining before us -- that from these honored dead we take increased devotion to that cause for which they gave the last full measure of devotion -- that we here highly resolve that these dead shall not have died in vain"
-- excerpt from Abraham Lincoln's Gettysburg Address
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