Comment Is there a middle road? (Score 1) 483
This post brings out some interesting parallels between Bush's speech and 1984. And I have to admit I'm concerned about our constitutional rights. What good is a fight for freedom if we loose all of our liberty in the process?
On the other hand, societies living under the constant threat of seemingly random acts of serious violence and terrorism are not free societies. It's clear something needs to be done, and it's nearly equally clear that something will need to be violent. Radical Islam doesn't seem to be interested in anything we can acceptably give them.
So, can we find a path that accomplishes our goals without seriously trouncing on the Constitution? Probably, but I'm not convinced our Executive Branch will even try.
Two points do give me hope. I recently read an article about the Executive Branch overextending it's power during times of war. Lincoln and Roosevelt were heavy offenders, but the limitations didn't last beyond the war.
Second, during Bush's speech, when he referred to the current legislation proposed by the Ashcroft, the Supreme Court justices did not join the crowd and stand or applaud.
On the other hand, societies living under the constant threat of seemingly random acts of serious violence and terrorism are not free societies. It's clear something needs to be done, and it's nearly equally clear that something will need to be violent. Radical Islam doesn't seem to be interested in anything we can acceptably give them.
So, can we find a path that accomplishes our goals without seriously trouncing on the Constitution? Probably, but I'm not convinced our Executive Branch will even try.
Two points do give me hope. I recently read an article about the Executive Branch overextending it's power during times of war. Lincoln and Roosevelt were heavy offenders, but the limitations didn't last beyond the war.
Second, during Bush's speech, when he referred to the current legislation proposed by the Ashcroft, the Supreme Court justices did not join the crowd and stand or applaud.
