Corpus Habeas Corpus?

RIP Habeas Corpus

Once again, the Constitution lies under siege in this new millennium. Thanks to Keith Olbermann for reporting on this grave issue affecting all American citizens.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xUzUljH8EHU

Olbermann delivers the bad news with such panache that no words I write could affect the same consideration. Have I given Keith Olbermann a Golden Ruler, yet? Well, he deserves one.

For acts of bravery and courage to stand up and protect our Constitution with all its rights and privileges afforded unto us, I hereby grant Keith Olbermann with the Golden Ruler. Mr. Olbermann, please use this Golden Ruler to continue measuring and correcting our leaders to the standards of truth and justice as carried out in the Constitution of the United States, and continue to defend our freedoms and rights, both here and abroad.

Omega Glory

With all the discuss of corruption (especially on Len Hart's blog: existentialistcowboy.blogspot.com) on Capitol Hill, and even in the White House, along with many practices by our government that seem to really subvert the Constitution of the United States, I started to think back to an old (I mean original) Star Trek episode: Omega Glory episode (#54, first aired 3/1/68). Although I am not a true Trekkie, I remember seeing this show when I was young, and the overtones of our US civilization stuck with me.

Wikipedia has a nice overview of this episode. Their summary of the Omega Glory: Captain Kirk must battle a deadly virus and prevent a meaningless war.

Sound familiar? In 1968, the good and bad guys were different than today, but it can easily be changed to today's political climate within the US. Ok, the feared deadly virus today: Avian Bird Flu (I'm sure our president will talk your ear off with coherent discuss about this, since he is way more knowledgeable about this virus than about his current war in Iraq). And today, we are in a pretty much meaningless war in Iraq (Sorry, no WMDs and really, if Saddam was really as dicky of a dictator as they say, then why is the US just as dicky or even more so. Yes, Saddam tortured and used chemical weapons on his people. Pssst--The US has done this, too, on Iraqis--have you forgotten Abu Graib and white phosphorus? Doesn't sound very nice to me.)

Can you see the word "freedom" turn into a "worship word"? I can.

Close to the end of the show, Capt. Kirk finds what looks like a tattered copy of the US Constitution and says "Look at these three words written larger than all the rest, and with special pride never written before or since -- tall words, proudly saying "We the people" .. these words and the words that follow ... must apply to everyone or they mean nothing."

Is the Omega Glory predicting our present and future?

Freedom of Religion?

"We obviously wouldn't want to see anybody face execution just for exercising their freedom of religion," he said.

I'm going to assume that it was President George W. Bush that said this, although the article is not clear who this quote should be attributed.

Can someone tell our president that in Afganistan there is NO FREEDOM OF RELIGION!

Sometimes when I read the headlines on Google News, I can't stop shaking my head. What kind of president would say that? I guess one who has no idea what Muslim laws under an Islamic government are all about.

Maybe that's one of those reasons why Iraq isn't going as well as we were led to believe. What were we thinking? That nations in the Middle East are very tolerant?? Yes, they are so tolerant that their women walk around enshrouded in black. That's Middle East tolerance for you and that should have clued us in a little bit, don't you think?

Where's that big ACME anvil when we need it??

"I Have A Dream..."

I don't think there is any tribute that could match the courage of Martin Luther King Jr., Coretta Scott King, his family or followers. As Coretta Scott King is honored during her funeral today, it is a time to look back, and look forward.

Martin Luther King Jr. had a great dream. A dream that freedom rings across the United States to all its citizens. MLK was a great advocate of peaceful protest. We all have much to learn and much to gain from his stance.

When I grew up in a very colorless part of the country, I still felt that people of color were still God's children, even if I seldom encountered one. They still have feelings. They still have been given gifts and talents by their Creator. And they are still precious in God's eyes. They are like me. They should be free, indeed.

Violence and unrest continue to destroy that preciousness that lies in each of God's creations on this earth. Materialism and ideologies have seemingly conquered over the preciousness of life and the sacredness of freedom.

Even in our daily lives, we allow other things to strip us of our freedoms. We quietly follow someone, even if we don't agree, just to be in the "in" crowd. We do things that go against our inner sense of reason. We don't do things we ought or long to do, because either a mental, cultural, societal or physical roadblock has been placed in our way. We can break the roadblocks. We can challenge the challenges that lie before us.

Freedom is sacred. Freedom is full of responsibility and obligation and reverence. Freedom is accessible and a challenge. It is work. It is conditioning the heart, mind and soul to peacefully seek freedom. It is to define a peaceful freedom for all, and to honor others' freedom so that your freedom does not hinder anothers' freedom. It is to work, play and rest peacefully with our brothers and sisters on this earth. It is peace and freedom walking hand in hand.

And someday, we will all sing together, "free at last."

US Press Ignores Danish Cartoon Freedom Issues

Did you notice? No one major media outlet in the US is touching the whole controversial Danish cartoon story. Not even with a ten-foot pole.

Even on the satire news outlets. Jon Stewart--nothing. Stephen Colbert--nada. (Ok, ok...update: so they are now reporting about it, but very carefully, as if walking on glass with bare feet.)

Why?

Well, right click on the title link and read that article. Is it fear? Fear of retalliation? I thought we were fighting so we would be free, and so would Iraq and Afganistan.

I think it is culture clash. I'm sure that the hit "Rock the Casbah" from the 80s rock band The Clash is offensive to Islam, too. But then again, we had Ronald Reagan in the White House, who scared the living daylights out of anyone who dared to harm us with his iron clad phrases like:

Above all, we must realize that no arsenal, or no weapon in the arsenals of the world, is so formidable as the will and moral courage of free men and women. It is a weapon our adversaries in today's world do not have.
Ronald Reagan

It is the Soviet Union that runs against the tide of history.... [It is] the march of freedom and democracy which will leave Marxism- Leninism on the ash heap of history as it has left other tyrannies which stifle the freedom and muzzle the self-expression of the people.
Ronald Reagan (Replace Soviet Union with current "evils")

Coersion, after all, merely captures man. Freedom captivates him.
Ronald Reagan

I don't believe in a government that protects us from ourselves.
Ronald Reagan

It is the Soviet Union that runs against the tide of history.... [It is] the march of freedom and democracy which will leave Marxism- Leninism on the ash heap of history as it has left other tyrannies which stifle the freedom and muzzle the self-expression of the people.
Ronald Reagan (Replace Soviet Union with current "evils")

History teaches that wars begin when governments believe the price of aggression is cheap.
Ronald Reagan

You and I are told we must choose between a left or right, but I suggest there is no such thing as a left or right. There is only an up or down. Up to man's age-old dream -- the maximum of individual freedom consistent with order -- or down to the ant heap of totalitarianism. Regardless of their sincerity, their humanitarian motives, those who would sacrifice freedom for security have embarked on this downward path. Plutarch warned, "The real destroyer of the liberties of the people is he who spreads among them bounties, donations and benefits."
Ronald Reagan

The ultimate determinant in the struggle now going on for the world will not be bombs and rockets but a test of wills and ideas-a trial of spiritual resolve: the values we hold, the beliefs we cherish and the ideals to which we are dedicated.
Ronald Reagan (Boy, isn't that the truth!)

If you want to read more quotes from Ronald Reagan, check out one of my favorite sites: Wikipedia's Wikiquote!

Don't be surprised when you read these quotes that your head starts to shake from side to side. It seems just about all great leaders contradict themselves or their political party's beliefs at one time or another.

Another Perspective of Danish Cartoons Gone Awry

Sigh. Now how many posts have I done on these sour Danish cartoons? Good grief.

I want to present to you this link that gives a different perspective on the situation from a Danish muslim.

In so many ways, the profound remark President Bush said in his State of the Union speech, applies here, too.

"America is a great force for freedom and prosperity. Yet our greatness is not measured in power or luxuries, but by who we are and how we treat one another. So we strive to be a compassionate, decent, hopeful society."

Yes, it is in how we treat one another that sets us apart.

The Danish cartoons were done in response to how they were perceiving treatment from Muslims. However, the manner of conveying that has been distorted in that Muslims are upset about any image of Muhammad.

Muslims should feel upset and they should stand up for their religion. However, they should also remember that they are known by how they treat one another, as well, which is why the cartoons were done. Do you see the tangled web that is being weaved here?

This is indeed a public relations issue for all involved here. We'll see who comes out with the least mud on their face.

Damn Freedom!

Who knew that a series of cartoons in a Danish paper would have such an effect on the Muslim community... and even the rest of the world.

This is Denmark, for pete's sake! Denmark, people. You know that small sliver of land that sits on top of Germany? That's Denmark. Small, itty-bitty country.

Let's just overlook that for a moment.

After a Danish paper published cartoons in September that satirized Muhammad, a prophet of Islam, papers in Germany and France have recently followed suit and ran their own cartoons along with republishing the ones from the Danish paper.

Pssst! Muslims apparently don't have a sense of humor for this.

I mean, Muslims are really riled up about this. Really.

Can you image if Christians and Jews got this upset about some cartoons portraying God in a controversial way? Hmmmmm.... ah.... yikes. I don't think editors would get fired for portraying a controversial God.

But, they are getting fired for publishing the Muhammad cartoons. Is this all in a vain attempt to appease a group of people who really just want to be angry and nothing you say or do will make them happy? Hmmmm.

Muslims are demanding apologies from the governments of Denmark, Norway, Germany, and even France. Why? The governments did not publish the cartoons. The governments didn't do anything wrong. So, then, why? For allowing freedom of press.

Damn freedom!

It's amazing how a small wave from Denmark could get so huge when it hits the Middle East. Did I mention how small and inconsequential Denmark really is?

This is Freedom, Muslims

Hey, Muslims, this is what freedom is all about. That's the message the Danish paper, Jylland Posten, and many others are now saying, as they defend freedom of the press.

Newspapers in France and Germany are republishing the cartoons from the Danish paper in support of freedom of press.

This is what Muslims fear, too. And that is why insurgents fight so hard in Iraq. Islam does not apparently fair well with this type of freedom.

Upholding Free Speech in Denmark

Denmark's in hot water, again. No, it's not because of global warming. It's because a Danish paper, the Jylland Posten, published about a dozen cartoons with images of Islam's Muhammad. It was in an attempt of political satire regarding the Muslim religion and the current jihad that certain Muslim radical sects have instigated against Western countries and cultures.

Let's make one matter clear here before we go on: With its free speech laws, Danish law does not forbid such publicized caricatures. Got that? Okay. Then, let's move on...

Some would say this is a poor and distasteful way to sell newspapers. There are even some Middle Eastern countries that are completely aghast at the publication of these Danish cartoons. The Jylland Posten has made a full front page apology to Muslims, but that's not apparently going to cut it with these Muslim countries that are so offended that they have banned Danish imports. Some countries, like Saudi Arabia and Lybia, have either vacated their Danish embassies or have closed them entirely. These are some very upset people.

And, they are demanding an apology from Denmark's prime minister, Anders Fogh Rasmussen. The Danish prime minister is declining to apologize because the Danish government has not done anything wrong and the newspaper did not break any Danish law. Doing so would only negate the power of law and free speech in Denmark. Bravo, Prime Minister Rasmussen.

But, where does the problem lie in this situation?

Sure, the Danish newspaper, the Jylland-Posten, was irresponsible in soliciting and publishing such inappropriate cartoon material. For that, the editors of the Jylland-Posten get a tap of the golden ruler from Sister Jen. And, a scolding, that according to the teachings of the Danish National Church (Lutheran), you should love your neighbor--including Muslims--and such cartoons aren't very loving, even if they depict something that seems to be true. There are probably more gentle ways to tell Muslims that bombs and mass killings aren't the answer.

Then there are the angry Muslims. Angry not as much at the Danish newspaper, as much as they are just angry. And now Denmark is the recipient country of their anger. Congratulations, Denmark. Your laws and culture are now completely offensive to Muslims.

Reflecting the reaction from Muslim nations, irresponsible Danish free speech is apparently evil. I guess it's okay for Muslims to burn flags and photos of leaders, and to kill other people, but for someone to draw an image of Muhammad in response to their political jihad is bad. Very bad. Hmmmm. Wonder when these Muslim countries will get over it.

You know, if I were a Muslim country and wanted my Muhammad portrayed as something holy and sacred, and battle the war loving images depicted in those cartoons, I'd hire Karl Rove to do some propaganda waging for me. And then, I'd make sure that my country showed Muhammad and our peace-loving Muslim religion just as such: Peace-loving. Call it silly, but you know sometimes water puts out fires better than more fire.

I'm glad that Jewish people don't overreact to all of Christianity's writing God's name as G O D and not G - D. Now, that would be an interesting battle.

Thinking of that, it's amazing that Christians don't do anything about cartoons showing God and Jesus as less than holy and sacred. Maybe Christians know that God is more powerful than any jovial jab in the funny pages.

American Values?

Reflecting on 2005, it seems the saying "American Values" continues to get tossed around in political conversation like a broken, and warped record (you know, the vinyl-type). I thought that slogan would have ended after the 2004 election, but NOOooo. It's still being chimed in 2005.

So, what are our American Values? I tried to look up a list that clearly delineates our American Values doing a Google search, but I found many sites that touted that ambiguous term, but nothing definitive. So, I will now attempt to define what our American Values are from what is written, and by what our society and government advocate in our actions.

Life
With limits, of course. We may fight tooth and nail to make sure unborn lives are born into the world, regardless what the parents may want. However, a boy's life in Texas apparently wasn't worth saving, and because of a state law, was denied life-sustaining efforts because his parents were too poor. Another lady from Florida, in a neurologic coma for over a decade and virtually brain-dead, is worth saving, and worth shorting the president's vacation to create a law in an effort to save her life. And the death penalty is still tops in our commander-in-chief's book, so apparently not all lives are worth living.
Speaking of lives, living is a global affair and since we have decided that the US is into affecting the global affair, let's look at how we translate that American value of life to other countries and people of varying persuasions. Our Republican congress and executive branch encourages torture, even though they still think other countries should not do it. We started a war in Iraq because of the threat of WMDs (Weapons of Mass Destruction, I've learned), although we widely have used DU (Depleted Uranium, not Denver U.) battling 'terrorism' in Afganistan and Iraq. That can't be as bad as the WMD Saddam used against his people, could it?
I searched for "American value life" and the first entry was an article by a pro-life writer with what seemed to be a Republican slant.
He speaks of "unalienable" and "self-evident truth" about the right of life. Unalienable, which is similar to inalienable, means not to be separated, given away or taken away. What does that mean for life? Basically, we don't torture or cut up, enslave or destroy life, or do we?
The right to life is also seen as a self-evident truth, meaning requiring no proof or explanation. Although, you are required to have a birth certificate and other documents to prove you are you just to exist in the US, so apparently your self-evident right to life lasts as long as you don't have to provide docuementation for it. Or you are unborn, and have yet to draw your first breath, then you have more rights than many who are living, according to some. There is no law stating what is life and human, thus, anything could be life, animate or inanimate.
However, there are several federal and state laws that say when a life can be extinguished. Like in the event they are charged with some heinous crime against themselves or society (death penalty), or if they just don't have the money to keep themselves alive, or someone says that a life is not worth using life-sustaining measures (yes, it is a law in Texas, so Terry Shiavo's parents should be grateful they didn't live there or she'd only have 10 days).
So, LIFE is an American Value, as long as that life has some type of worth according to the powers that be.

Liberty
Again, with limits. Liberty is like freedom, so check out the value of freedom below, too. If you have enough $$$ to push your weight around, you can impose on other's liberties so that you can gain more liberty for yourself. It's fairly easy to buy off local governments, and even state and national ones, if you have enough $$$, know the right people, are related to the right families, and rub the right people the right way.
Sure, some people say that liberty can be saved by speaking up for your rights and liberties. Well, reviewing history and personal experiences, that doesn't always happen. Most of the time liberties happen because of $$$. This is a capitalist society. The value of $$$ trumps all other values, really.
A search for "American value liberty" brings up a vehicle blue book website, and two websites about money. That certainly explains a lot.

Pursuit of Happiness
With limits, of course. This is a very subjective value, really, and pursuing happiness in our capitalist society entails money. True happiness, of course, is an intrinsic concept, and only happens when one is content with who they are and what they possess inside. But that doesn't help our capitalist economy, so the pursuit of happiness has been translated to purchasing whatever it takes to make one feel happy. Sometimes that means purchasing a diamond for that special someone in your life, or getting the right clothes and style to fit in with a certain social group. It is all about what you can get to make you happy, that is the American way.

Defenders of the US Constitution
As long as it doesn't impede on anyone, especially the executive branch these days. The US Constitution must yield to our capitalist society, so if it doesn't, we'll just make some minor adjustments so it will.

Governed by the People, for the People
As long as those governing have incentive ($$$) to govern, whether that be from individuals, special interest groups, or companies.

Separation of Church & State
Separate as long as it doesn't offend anyone, but necessary to sway the people one way or another. Also, great backup for state to help faith-based (church) organizations when the state help just doesn't cut it.

Conglomeration of Corporation & State
I don't think it is fair to talk of the separation of church and state, and not mention the flip side of the coin with the cooperation of big companies and large special interest groups with their large coffers of money and government. Hey, it's that mentality of "if you rub my back, I'll rub yours" as long as there's no direct link from the government to a specific company. Or in the cases of Enron and Haliburton, direct links make for great $$$. Hey, this is a capitalist society.

Freedom
Of course, with limits. You can't allow one man's absolute freedom when it impedes another man's freedom, right? See liberty, above.
Oh, there was the issue with slavery over a century ago, but wasn't that taken care of with the civil war? What about women's freedoms? Ah, a woman is not a man, right? Oh, they are people, too? Women aren't slaves to their fathers or husbands? Women get individual rights and freedoms here, too? Oh, great, what are all these new Muslim immigrants going to do now? Oh, separation of church and state, right.

Equality
As long as someone is human and on US soil, they are apparently equal, regardless of race, ethnicity, creed, gender, handicap, etc. Oh, that's not the case, you say? There's a class system in the US? What's that? Rich people get more tax breaks than poor and middle class? Rich people get better health care? Rich people's lives are saved more than poor and middle class? Even natural disaster, which used to be the great equalizer, now still can wipe out the poor and middle class, while leaving the rich virtually unscathed? It's not about you, as much as it about who you know and how much $$$ you make.

Add your ideas of American Values
This is definitely not an exhaustive list of American Values. Please feel free to add your ideals of American Values by commenting to this post. Thanks!

Abstract List of American Values:
I want to also add this website for you to right-click and link in new window to read: American Family Values, a very altruistic view of values, which, from my experience, doesn't quite match with reality in the US. If you were truly to espouse those values and principles, you would easily get trampled on by the masses. Sure, you can make a noble attempt to live and pass such ideals to your children and grandchildren, but when you take these ideals to heart and use them in your daily life, you will see that all of these ideals are easily used against you.

These ideals make you weak in our society because they all (integrity, self-discipline, proactivity, empathy, humility) reveal your passiveness and honesty. If you want to get ahead, you will learn that integrity will not get you there, because the dishonest resume and interviewee will likely get the job and/or the sale. Self-discipline is good only to a point, because there will always be people who throw self-discipline to the wind to get their point across or to make sure they trample on you. If you don't throw some of your restraints away, they will continue to walk all over you. Heck, there are very few businesses out there that are proactive, so if you try to get them proactive, they will react, because that is just not the way it happens in the real world. Then, there's empathy--oh, I feel your pain. Sure, as long as feeling your pain can get them ahead in some way, otherwise you are just showing how gullible you are in our society. Finally, humility. The ability to fess up to your weaknesses and blunders, if you should ever acknowledge them. A noble trait, indeed, and one big NO-NO in our society if you don't want them to come back and haunt you for the rest of your life. Success in our capitalist society will always be given to someone else, if you don't stand up for yourself and lose these notions of congeniality.

Not all places in our society and business world work to keep those principles/values from being valuable. But, most do. Just look at our government for starters. Sigh.

American Democratic Values, as taught by the Michigan Board of Education. Great link for black and white ideals of our values, presented for youth of just about all ages.

Stale Conclusion:
Our American Values are not absolute, nor are they set in stone. They change like the ebb and flow of the ocean. The United States is not the utopian mecca that we all claim it is to be, and as we are all human and prone to error, that utopian society may never be met until we meet our Maker in heaven.

They knew the time had come...

Last night I was watching the School House Rock DVD with my son and was struck when I heard this from one of the tunes:

Anything I say, do it my way now.
Anything I say, do it my way.
Don't you get to feeling independent
'Cause I'm gonna force you to obey.

... There's a section where there is talking in this tune that isn't listed on the lyrics sheet, but that is what really got me. It said basically that a country shouldn't withhold the basic rights of its citizens and when it does the citizens should demand a new government. I will write the verbage down and put it here later. --Stay tuned! ...

They knew the time had come
For them to take command.
It's very clear you're being unfair, King,
No matter what you say, we won't obey.

That was the tune, No More Kings. For some reason, I think this is the way revolutions are supposed to take place. It takes the willing work of the people wanting freedom to do it on their own. The more they depended on the King, the more that the King demanded and the more the King took advantage of them.

I don't think things are too differently in Iraq right now, nor are they too different here in the US. Even here in the US, we are seeing how government is taking advantage not only of the situation in Iraq but also how we are losing basic rights for the cause of the fight against terrorists. US Leaders are coming out of the woodwork to state their disdain for the state of human affairs and rights from the US government to other countries and to our own people. Among those leaders is the former President Jimmy Carter, who's kind and gentle disposition doesn't normally see such public outcry as his article "This isn't the real America" in the LA Times. Read the article, then please post your comments to the following questions.

So, are you ok with losing some basic rights to fight terrorism?

Are you ok with anyone representing the US to torture or advocate violence to anyone for any reason?

Should torture and violence be a primary activity for anyone representing the US?