American Insecurity

"Bill or Rights, we don't need no stinking Bill of Rights!"

1) "INTELLIGENCE -- PENTAGON DOMESTIC SPYING PROVISION SNUCK INTO BILL: The Senate may give the Defense Department more information about American citizens, without letting American citizens know. The new provisions -- snuck into the bill with little public attention -- reflect President Bush's desire to give the Pentagon increased powers in civil affairs. The new provisions include allowing the Defense Intelligence Agency (DIA) to "covertly approach and cultivate 'U.S. persons' and even recruit them as informants -- without disclosing they are doing so on behalf of the U.S. government," allowing federal intelligence agencies increased access to government databases on U.S. citizens, and granting the DIA new exemptions to withhold information from public requests. Similar provisions were inserted last year into the same authorization bill, but removed under public objections. ACLU Legislative Council Tim Sparapani objected: "This punches yet another enormous hole through the Privacy Act.".."(The American Progress Action Fund)

2) Alternet.com: Civic Student or Enemy of America.

A student at Currituck County High School in North Carolina, has been questioned by the SEcret Service for creating a poster for a school project that was unfavorable to George W. Bush. This was a school assignment. Apparently a Wal Mart empoyee in the photo development department called in the police when he/she noticed this poster photograph.

"...the student, who remains anonymous, was just doing his assignment, illustrating the right to dissent. But over at the Kitty Hawk Wal-Mart, where the student took his film to be developed, this right is evidently suspect..."

The Secret Service investigated the student and the teacher involved.

Now, I do believe it is right and vital to interview and investigate people who threaten the U.S. President, even if it is Bush. There are people who would seek to do him harm, and I don't care if they beat him up in a parking lot after he scuttles out of office, I do care however that he not be harmed while in office. This would harm America. This we cannot have as it would shred the very vital notion of a stable government. The peaceful exchange of power between political parties is crucial to any government. Of course in our case, the exchange of power between republican and democrat is like the organized crime leaders turning over thier loan sharking operations to 'piggly-wiggly' clerks. But I digress...this story is about ordinary citizens coming under the suspicious dis-favor of the federal law officers. People who work directly for George W. Bush. The facts in this case do not warrant a visit by SEcret Service, unless you consider that the Bush Admininstration is determined to root out anyone who disagrees with this president.

If you argue against this administration, or disagree in anyway, then you are suspect of being a traitor. Not to America, but to Bush. Under this regime, our status as citizens of America is less important than our religious and ideological beliefs.

As I write this column I am also aware that I too am under suspicion due to my unwavering disgust at the present administration. I have no doubt that this government is fully capable of suspending all legal rights of citizens who dissent. Not only are they capable, they are eager to. George W. Bush no more represents American Democracy than Vlad the Impaler represented a helpful proctologist.

With the forces of Bush gearing up to impose Martial Law at the slightist excuse, and citizens coming under direct suspicion for voicing opinions critial of Bush, we are at dangerous crossroads.

Look well America to the fading protections and rights we once enjoyed as citizens. Look well America at the changes that have come against us in this time of "Conservative" ideology and byzantine tyranny.