The release of the Bush administration's torture memos has also released a torrent of right wing outrage, and left wing hypocrisy. The outrage should be coming from the average American citizen, who was taught in grammar school that ours is a constitutional democracy, based on three independent branches, to assure checks
and balances among them. The President is not an absolute monarch.
Because of its critical role as the protector of equal justice for all, and the defender of the Constitution the Justice Department must be free of domination and control by the executive, and must hold the government to its obligations under international treaties and agreements to which it is a signatory.
In the aftermath of 9/11 President Bush, influenced by Rove, Rumsfeld and Cheney, enlarged the powers of the presidency, and used the compliant Attorney General and Justice Department attorneys to ratify his actions. Congress, intimidated by the tragedy, and wishing to appear staunch in protecting the nation, abandoned its independence and meekly acceded. The results were illegal wire taps, a stampede to war, torture, rendition, and illegal arrest and incarceration of American citizens.
As shabby as that behavior has been, the most disturbing aspect is the apathy of the public to this rape of the Constitution. The fact that they have not been seized and put into handcuffs blinds them to the gradual stealthy theft of their liberties.
Perhaps a national TV program like Treasure Hunt, offering a million dollar prize to anyone who finds a BRAVE and WISE Representative or Senator might stir some attention.
Wake up America. Get a voice. Meekness is a twin to Weakness.
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2 comments:
I think the real problem with the American people is most come from the "I'm only one person. I can't do anything to change it." Too many Americans are willing to give up their civil rights so they don't have to face reality. And you're right - with the exception of a few congresspeople (such as Dennis Kucinich. Diane Feinstein, Henry Waxman)the people in congress are more worried about sticking their necks out and maybe not getting re-elected than truly representing the interests of democracy. Arlene
The fact also is that the American citizens are still living in fear of another attack several years after 9/11 . They are willing to give up their basic rights for any kind of protection from the government
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