Fighting for the American Way

I’ve had some serious issues with the continuing detaining of alleged terrorists — those for whom there isn’t enough evidence to charge. Unlike other legal systems in the world, the United States had always presumed innocence until proven guilty. If there isn’t even evidence to charge — or convict, you walk free. It’s not perfect, but it is the American Way: better to release 10 guilty men than to imprison one innocent one.

But “enemy combatants” whether they be Saudi or even Americans, suddenly have no rights, despite the fact that the Constitution makes no such distinction. And worse, now the government is talking about keeping people it doesn’t have evidence on in prison for life. No charges, no trial, no due process — just prison for life.

But oh, you scoff, this can’t happen to me. But the point is, though, is that it is happening to you. A person here or there of Arabic ancestry, but American citizenship. disappears — and can’t see their attorney, their family, or even find out what they’ve been charged with, and that’s already happened. Next, come a few radical left-wing protesters, no-good, dirty rabble, and then those who speak out against the government. And then it’s your neighbor — or maybe you.

It doesn’t take long — and it can happen and will in this country.

You must fight this, and we on the left have to figure out to make this expensive to Corporate America. Very expensive, so that they have to pay attention and reevaluate their relationship with the Neo-Cons. Without corporate financial backing, the Neo-Cons will dry up and blow away.

But we must act before it is too late. Before it is your friend, your child, your parent — or even you — who is whisked off into detention with no charges, no hope of a trial. Make no mistake, we face a difficult battle, and opposition convinced of their right to trample all that is holy to most Americans. We are fighting people who may very well be led a man who is a war criminal at best, and at worst, a man guilty of treason against the United States of America. Of course, should it come to that, George W. Bush will know the crimes he is charged with and be given a fair trial.

Can any of us now be sure of keeping those same inalienable rights as Americans?

As patriots, we must stand and fight for our country, just as our forefathers did. Will you stand and add your voice to the growing chorus? This isn't about liberal or conservative, this is about fighting for the things that make America unique and special.

Thomas Jefferson said it best:

When the government fears the people there is liberty; when the people fear the government there is tyranny.

It’s time to put some fear into this government.