It can be dangerous to engage in free speech. This year alone, 242 journalists, in countries such as Egypt, Morocco, Jordan, and Saudi Arabia, have been tossed into jail for their words, and one has been killed.

Here at home, our bodies remain free, but our tongues are imprisoned. As Dan Rather stated after 9/11, “Patriotism has run amok.” Reminiscent of Joe McCarthy’s “red hysteria,” we are told to shut up, salute the flag, and applaud White House policy during this “war on terror.” Otherwise we risk being branded un-American.

Political satirist Bill Maher was publicly skewered and lost his show “Politically Incorrect.” The Dixie Chicks were plucked off the radio, and a 33,000 pound tractor was used to crush their CDs in a public protest. The latest casualty in the “word witch hunt” is University of Colorado professor Ward Churchill who likened some World Trade Center victims to Nazi bureaucrat Adolf Eichmann, and who may lose his tenured position as a result. A number of journalists in America have lost their jobs.

Rather than examine the flaws or merits of their controversial speech, I will present three questions for further reflection.

First, is it patriotic to parrot the cheers choreographed by a Commander-in-Chief? Or was Thomas Jefferson correct when he wrote, “Dissent is the highest form of patriotism”?

If one believes our nation’s policies to be in error, isn’t the path of courage to speak out, the path of cowardice to remain silent? Should one go down with the Titanic, if one may have a strategy for keeping it afloat, regardless of how much it might inconvenience or enrage the other passengers? Is it possible that those who have been demonized for uttering so-called seditious words are in some way assisting our country, whether for right or wrong, giving us a perspective that we may have otherwise overlooked?

Perhaps the freedom of speech amendment is First because the ability to speak openly is largely what it means to be American. The paradox is that the most outspoken polemicist can be both courageously loyal and yet demonized as a traitor. In fact, two true patriots can present diametrically opposed arguments at the same time. Parrots, on the other hand, have only one general line.

Secondly, is the “war on terror” really a war, and how does this impact freedom of speech? Traditionally, wars are armed conflicts between sovereign states; now we have declared war on an emotion, terror. Our soldiers are fighting and dying, but because the war is against “terror,” it can never end. Terror, like drugs and poverty, cannot be entirely eliminated. Since the battle cannot end, does our silence never end? Can we never again speak against U.S. policy?

Thirdly, is it possible that slurs directed at individuals for their “lack of patriotism” are nothing more than political maneuvers, meant to gain power and discredit one’s opponents? Democrats also use this tactic against Republicans, such as when Michael Moore said, “They are not patriots. They are hate-riots.”

Yet, Republicans are viewed as the more patriotic party, thus enjoy greater success with this marginalizing technique. We should beware of suspicious labels and partisan motives that relegate ones political adversaries to the enemy’s cave, to a conspiratorial pact with Bin Laden.

For each individual whose speech is targeted, there are no doubt hundreds, if not thousands, who censor innovative thoughts before attempting to offer them in the marketplace of ideas.

The next time you hear the word “unpatriotic” or “un-American” tossed about, do not accept. Question. Think about censorship and self-censorship. Think about whether you want our country to have a staple menu of bread and water or one listing many flavorful dishes.

Think about whether you believe in Voltaire’s idea, “I may disapprove of what you say, but I will defend to the death your right to say it” or Ari Fleisher’s idea that all Americans should “watch what they say” in this time of crisis.

Think about whether you want a land of parrots or one of patriots.

Charlotte Laws, Ph.D. is a syndicated columnist, a member of the Greater Valley Glen Council and the president of the League for Earth and Animal Protection (LEAP). Her political website is http://www.CharlotteLaws.org

During last year’s election it forced me to think of why many members of the “Social elite” like Dan Rather, Barbara Streisand, Susan Sarandon and Alec Baldwin are ultra liberal. It took me a while but I finally came up with a plausible answer. So why would the extremely wealthy “social elite” be so liberal?

1) They Live a Utopian Lifestyle - One of the reasons that the “Social elite” are extremely liberal is that they live a life that most of us can’t even imagine or relate to. They have so much money, they don’t even know what to to do with it and they can do just about anything. I think that they feel guilty that they have such wealth (they really don’t have to), that they feel that they need to prove to society that they care or have a social conscience.

That’s why they join groups like PETA. They think society will think highly of them. This is not true. I think that most of us pity these little people. We know that they don’t really care and that they do most of their grand-standing for public attention

2) They Won’t be harmed by the high cost of liberal/social policy - Yes that’s right! The “social elite” wouldn’t be harmed by the high cost of liberal policies or programs. If social welfare programs like comprehensive health care or expanded unemployment benefits were to be enacted, the “social elite” wouldn’t be harmed by paying higher taxes, like the rest of us would. Many of these elites make tens of millions of dollars a year. If high taxes like Canada were put in place to pay for the high cost of social programs, these elites would still be extremely wealthy.

The “Social elite” can feel self righteous that they have a social conscience because they support liberal policies but they wouldn’t be harmed by the high cost of paying for those programs. The rest of us (middle class) would be left behind to feel the pinch of the added burden of dipping into our pocket books.

Anthony B. is the founder and owner of ItsTheRightWay.com a news, political and sports commentary website.

Anthony has over 7 years of experience as a business professional

Often, people need to select between filing for bankruptcy or allowing their home loan lender to foreclose their property. If bi-weekly or monthly home loan payments are not received as agreed, the financial institution will file for a foreclosure on the property. Nothing short of paying the mortgage on schedule is assured end the your foreclosure. Foreclosure is the same for everybody who has not been able to pay his mortgage, the bank will likely boot your family out of the house and sell it to get back some of their loses. House loans are very similar to car loans; if you do not pay your payments you might get it repossessed.

Insolvency proceedings are a legal act that is filed by an individual who is not able to pay their debt as agreed. Once bankruptcy is filed, all current civil proceedings connected with the home loan will be stopped. Consequently, a home loan bank has to interrupt all collection processes, foreclosure among them. But, a home loan lender might be permitted to go forward if they apply for relief from the stay period; and if it is allowed, may continue with the foreclosure action. Declaring Bankruptcy will not stop foreclosure and you still must pay back your home loan. Going into bankruptcy simply makes the foreclosure continue more slowly; it will not resolve the problem.

Although insolvency can not permanently stop a foreclosure, it could allow a person more time to repay the over due or at least makes it little easier to repay the mortgage. Bankruptcy law requires a home loan to put a hold on a foreclosure action, a home owner will have a short time to raise the funds to pay the creditor. Bankruptcy is the final option for any debtor. This will eventually happen when he is completely unable to pay their lenders’ commitments. Under bankruptcy, some unsecured debt will in all probability be discharged but the real estate loan will not. The borrower must be ready to pay back the mortgage within the mandated time as the debt is guaranteed by an asset. In addition, Chapter 13 insolvency has a schedule of fees that is court-ordered, and permits the borrower make payments on her home loan to get up to date on their mortgage payments.

There are legal fees to pay. Possibly, it may cost you more in legal fees than it does to simply pull the belt tighter and pay the back owed home loan payments. If you are thinking that filing for insolvency can be helpful for the situation, a bankruptcy lawyer might be capable of answering any questions you have. Because insolvency proceedings are extremely complicated and detailed, consumer should not try to do it without help from a a bankruptcy lawyer.

This article is simply standard information. This is not legal advice. We make no representation that this article is legal advice. You might need to meet with a bankruptcy lawyer in your particular state with insolvency related questions.

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An active life often makes it troublesome to get around to reading all the books you would like to. Lengthy journey times to the office and mundane chores may be eating enormous portions of your day without you recognizing it. A job, caring for children or housework all cut back the free time available for your interests. You can simply utilize the time you spend driving to get up to date on those books you can’t find the time to read. Thanks to downloads, it’s easy to savor MindBody Health Audio Series: Managing Adult Leukemia by Elizabeth Bohorquez for sale from Download Audio Book Online, or audible books brought to life by Clayborne Carson without ever lifting a book. In the modern fast paced world multitasking is the norm. Audio-books like Pimsleur Angle - English for Haitian Speakers I Part 1 by Dr. Paul Pimsleur available from Download Audio Book Online occupy the wasted time in life, whether it is time spent waiting in a physician’s office or maybe grocery shopping. Many audio-books may be downloaded right now as audio files these include Way To Be by Gordon B. Hinckley, so make use of your mp3 player and headphones you have the opportunity to hear a bestseller or a great novel, like audio-books by Bob Colacello without dragging a cumbersome book with you. Audible books provide numerous advantages such as the opportunity to rent or buy instructional books and peruse them at your own pace. Do you wish to study another language? Why not check out audio books? You can catch up on current business practises, you may even discover the paranormal.

An immense selection of literary genres and titles exist. Whether you’re a history buff, nuts over biographies or even interested in self help, it’s simple to access many audiobooks at once. Several programs are open; it’s simple to take a subscription to a service and rent or buy what interests you. Reading enthusiasts will always find a time for reading, however audio books offer a convenient alternative for active individuals. A narrator can enhance the experience of some stories. Reading a title isn’t quite the same experience as listening to audio titles performed by Dr. Bob Rotella, with the all the refinements of an actual rendition. Hearing audio-books performed by Reverend W. Awdry can contribute more meaning to your enjoyment of reading and mean lots more than words on a page. The next time whenever you are thinking of purchasing a book you might never find time to read, don’t forget an audio book as a better choice.

In his bid for the presidency, John Kerry pronounced a “secret plan” to reinstate selective service. The fact that New York Democrat and fellow leftist Charles Rangel had proposed this plan wasn’t mentioned, so Kerry’s allegation created hysteria within the blue states. But there are several ways in which reinstating the draft could benefit our country.

FREEDOM IS EARNED

Too many people in the United States believe that the freedoms granted them under the Constitution are an entitlement program provided by the government. A general paucity of historical education, combined with a public education agenda derogatory to the Founding Fathers as well as God, contribute to this attitude. The fact is, the Founding Fathers understood that codifying our freedoms within a constitution was only part of the picture, but our freedoms are ultimately earned and protected through military preparedness and the judicious use of force, generation after generation. The reinstatement of selective service creates the opportunity for every citizen to participate in the protection of the freedoms they hold dear, and having thus participated, would contribute to a greater appreciation of and gratitude for those freedoms.

ECONOMIC BENEFITS

One reason that war has traditionally created a phenomenal decline in the unemployment rate is that during a war, a large section of the workforce is taken out of the labor market. By reinstating the draft, unemployed young people would in fact become employed, and would no longer be counted among the jobless.

Within that population, there are many with limited to no job experience or skill development. During peacetime, military service can help young people develop their skills and become more focused on “what they want to be when they grow up.” Military service is a more effective career development tool than is a series of low-paying, dead-end jobs.

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY OBLIGATIONS

Unlike many conservatives, I firmly believe that women as well as men should have military obligations. If we women truly want to claim equality under the law, we have an obligation equal to that of men to protect and defend the Constitution which allows us to make that claim. Women in the United States have the right to vote, to own property, to receive an education, to work outside the home, to pray, and to speak our minds on social policy. Why should we be exempt from action when those rights are threatened? Feminists fought long and hard to allow women to serve in combat roles; including women in selective service call-ups is the logical result.

DEFENDING THE SECOND AMENDMENT

Gun control advocates use the excuse that the average citizen shouldn’t own guns, as the Constitution only guarantees the right to bear arms to those involved in a “well-regulated militia.” Having every citizen actually be a soldier eliminates this argument. Plus, having more law-abiding people actually trained in the effective use of firearms would certainly contribute to the safety and security of cities and towns across the country.

The United States is one of the only countries that does not mandate military service for its citizens. Our partner and ally, Israel, has always expected its citizens to be prepared, trained, and ready to defend itself against the burgeoning monster of terrorism. Since the events of 9/11, shouldn’t we begin to think along those same lines?

About The Author

Jean Fritz is a farmer and freelance writer, residing in the incorrigibly “red” state of Indiana. She can be reached via email, or through her website: http://jmtpubs.tripod.com.

This article has been submitted with no restrictions on reproduction, as long as author credit(s) are published.

jeantype@excite.com

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With the hotter months allowing the public to relax outside and reside open-air candle care might shift. Of course Arranging 1 put to good use outside is prime however what occurs when there is gust or better still what happens once there is a large wind? The candles blow out & out and out. It might get incredibly irritating, and so for those breezy patio nights candle holders are also perfect. Candle holder turn out in many appearance & sizes just even like any alternative candle. I like the candles that include several crystal appearances as these give off uncommon luminosity. The candle holder are creating a barrier for the Scented Candles protecting them lit & blissful. One comment of advice nonetheless, when acquiring candle holder for utilization in the outside, make certain that there can be found no cutouts, otherwise you yourself are back to square one with your candles going out faster than b-day 1 on a 2 year olds Bday party! These can act in the inside or quiet nights but not if there is whatever breeze. Some other option on all these after hours is to use electronic candles.

The chances of scooping the EUROMILLIONS jackpot is a remote 1 in seventy-six million but the prospect of winning a cash prize is a somewhat decent 1 in twenty four. When the jackpot is not won in a given week, it is carried over to the following lotto draw that will result in an ever increasing jackpot prize. Recent regulations brought in on the 9 February 2007 specify the number of consecutive roll overs to eleven, with the jackpot rolling down to lower value levels in the 11th lotto draw when the prize is not won.

The Euro millions lottery or the Euro Lottery, as it’s commonly known, gathers the ticket receipts of the nine partaking Euro countries awarding a mammoth Euro Millions jack-pot. With the number of nations joining the EU on the increase, this will without a doubt lead to more states participating in the European lottery. An increase in the amount of individuals partaking in the Euromillions Lottery will lead to a lasting growth of the already big European Lottery jackpots.

The new rules also initiated EuroMillions Super Draw which come about twice each year plus they offer jackpots in the region of 100 million pounds. The difference with Super Draws is that the jack-pot has to be won during the calendar week of the draw; as a result, if there is no ticket matching, all the numbers drawn and top prize will be allotted to the lottery ticket holder(s) on the next winning prize level.

Each participant must choose five primary numbers from one to fifty and 2 Lucky Star numbers from one to nine. During the lottery draw, five main and 2 lucky star numbers are then picked out at random from two lottery draw machines containing numbered lotto balls.

We all know Elliot Spitzer is going to run for governor. We can see he is very vindictive in his endeavors. However have you asked yourself; Since when is it okay for someone who is an Attorneys General to act out the way he does? We are seeing more and more abuse of power. I personally know someone who emulates Elliot Spitzer who is a young up and coming rising star in a Federal Agency, who would in fact go out of their way to falsify documents, make threats, hide their identity, and attack reputable folks on behalf of competitors and for reasons of self gratification and future job titles and kudos?

Elliot Spitzer has abused the law, made a death threat and should be terminated as this sets a horrible example of vindictiveness, pettiness and a scary precedence. He must be taken to task and fired immediately. If not more will follow his lead like the young homosexual regulator I mentioned above who works for the Federal Trade Commission. If this continues we will have the attorneys who could be likened to International Terrorists as they attempt to destroy freedom and free markets for their own personal gain. This is a horrible day for Americans when an Attorneys General can make death threats and get away with it. Apparently there is no Truth, Justice and the American way in the Big Apple anymore? We must question what we as Americans stand for is this it? Is this all the more we expect for those who serve the will of the common good? I think not?
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/6039030/site/newsweek/

This attitude in the name of justice is a sham and it is another strike against the men and women who died and all our family names to allow this to go on. It sets a bad example of future regulators. I have witnessed this personally from the local city code enforcement officer, no not the BTK who was a code enforcement officer, a different one and I have witnessed this all the way up to Federal Agencies with our public trust in mind and sworn to up hold the Constitution. Those laws we freely follow as we agree under public contract and/or our chosen God to live within in our civilization. If this is all the better Elliot Spitzer can do as the Attorneys General, then maybe we do not need any Attorneys Generals or Attorneys to help us interpret what is right and wrong and enforce the laws of this land.

What are you thoughts, do you find this acceptable, are you satisfied with this behavior? Is this good enough for the NYC power house of World Financial Markets, are you willing to put your trust in a Public Official who thinks like this? Well? Are you? Do you believe in our freedoms? What’s next Witch Hunting with Crosses and Stakes and straw under their feet? Hmmm? Haven’t we seen enough abuse of power yet from such regulators, when will it be enough; when Ayn Rand is proven correct? When there are no items on the shelves, when you pay $4.00 per gallon for gas and five for milk, $900 for Health Care per month and parking a mere $28 per period? Hmmm? It is okay to scream if you have had enough. I wonder if anyone else out there has had enough of one Elliot Spitzer, the man who would be king? He is breeding new generation of vindictive government lawyers who will take your freedoms and destroy free enterprise; because they can? So many wish to continue to emulate him and want his prestige and power. If you think Elliot Spitzer is just fine, then you dear reader are a moron and are need of a reality check. Think about it, if you have a brain.

“Lance Winslow” - Online Think Tank forum board. If you have innovative thoughts and unique perspectives, come think with Lance; www.WorldThinkTank.net/wttbbs/

Introduction

It seems that thinkers, philosophers, social critics, and typically anyone concerned with the plight of those who must endure through misery and suffering, usually make references to the poverty, oppression, and crime of those who must go through a harder life. Throughout the ages, the political leaders of a nation, whom have been elected by their campaign funds or their birth rights, have always given great concern to ending crime. Murder, robbery, and rape have typically been regarded as the greatest crimes in society, each one created in its own nature. Murder is the highest form of vengeance, and in societies where feuds and arguments have been the general discourse, there will be this crime. While men and women live together, they have often neglected the articulate nature of science, art, and learning. Instead of decided to advance civilization, change the world, and love each other, they have created war among themselves, for their own reasons. Robbery itself is a crime that is as old as the existence of property. Instead of deciding to increase their own wealth, by the labor of their hands, man decided to benefit from the reward of another man’s hand. Rape itself has been detested throughout all of Western Europe, but it is only a recent phenomena that the motive changed. For a great deal of time, rape was simply regarded as expensive property damage. Finally when the people realized that women are themselves capable of independent thought, and a desire to express and experience inner emotions, rape has been changed, from property damage to personal assault. While the monarchs and elected officials of nations, and their countless followers, have endeavored to offer their plans and ideas on ending crime, few have attempted to discover the cause of crime. It has almost always been assumed that the source of crime is a simple disobedience to the law. It was only in the 20th century that the Western world finally discovered that criminal activity was not in fact caused be a diseased brain. It still remains a doctrine of many of today’s politicians and their supporters that crime in caused by savagery, an “evil” nature, or simply a disobedience to the law, and this view is expressed in their speeches, their public reports, and their communication with the public.

It is crime that I shall be investigating within this paper. By crime, I mean a violation of either the laws or social customs (new and old) in a society.

A Profile of Crime in America

Before continuing in this piece, it is probably most important to first note the most common types of crime that occur within this nation. In state penitentiaries, 49% were sentenced for a violent crime, 20% were sentenced for a property crime, and 21% were sentenced for a drug crime (for the year 2000). In city jails, a fourth were held for violent crimes, a fourth were held for property crimes, and a fifth were held for drug crimes (for the year 1996). [*1] However, there are overlapping crimes. Robbery, for instance, for something as small as a few dollars, may go unpersecuted, but the crime of assault or battery may end up with the suspect serving several years. Offenders of violent crimes had used a weapon in 46% of all robberies, as an example (for the year 2002). [*2] With that, I continue in my analysis.

Crimes of Greed

Nature of the Crime

When I speak of Crimes of Greed, I want it to be understood that I am speaking of robbery, of mugging, of theft of property in any manner. The desire to steal property can be understood by all. It is but a human desire, one that exists inside all of us, to have the essentials of life, such as food, shelter, and the like. In fact, it is hardly human, and rather completely natural to all forms of life. This instinct to gather the necessities, at all costs, is wholly normal. I am not attempting to justify it, but rather, only understand it. Humans, however, vary somewhat than other creatures of this planet. For some of us, it is not enough to have what is necessary to life. We must have wealth, we must have financial security. A loaf of bread every day while living in the smallest of apartments might very well meet the necessities. Yet, it is as much a dream as it is a desire to think that one day, you can have luxury, and those things you’ve always hoped for as a child. A loaf of bread and a cockroach infested apartment, sure, they may very well meet your necessities. But what about a television set? A CD player? A DVD player? A stylish wardrobe? A condominium? Maybe your own house? As I said, it is only human to want wealth and possibly extravagance, or the idea that you are “well off” and need not worry about financial insecurities. The instinct to obtain that what you need to survive can be found in all life forms and the desire to become wealthy and even recognized is closer to the human species, though I wouldn’t be surprised if similar desires were found in the other creatures of this world.

The instinct for survival and desire of wealth are apparent parts of human society and have found themselves expressed in culture. The question now is, what are the methods by which people go about procuring these desires? Primarily, there are two methods: legal employment and criminal activity (or, Crimes of Greed, “Property Crimes”). On behalf of legal employment, one must first understand that this hardly signifies something worthy, just, or virtuous. The officials of the Nazi army were well-paid and well-respected — and despite the fact that it may have been their task to persecute those of the Jewish ethnicity, they were legally employed. So, too, were the Roman soldiers, whose task it was to invade foreign lands with the intent to rob and plunder. Only a nominal difference took place when American soldiers are sent world wide, to raid countries like Vietnam, Haiti, Guatemala, Cambodia, Colombia, or others. Millions of lives taken and thousands of homes burned to the ground, all under the banner of legal employment, but not only legal employment, but a job that was respected by society and honored by the government.

These are the two options for a human being’s natural inclinations of wealth: legal employment, and the alternative, the alternative going by the title of “crime.” Of those who commit crime, statistics show that their ability to generate revenue through legal employment is deficient. In federal and state prisons, 63% percent of jail inmates belonged to racial or ethnic minorities in 1996. [*1] The importance of this statistic is the history of racila and ethnic minorities. Less than two hundred years ago, the African race was released from the bondage of slavery, only to be given unequal conditions and poverty. Only some decades ago did they really achieve social, political, or economic equality in opportunity — and still, even though the opportunity is present, they are in the thick sand of poverty. A black family, with two parents working minimum wage, will have a harder time sending their children to a university, than a white family, with two parents working middle class jobs. And then consider the plight of the Native Americans. They owned the land and the resources that make up virtually all property in this nation — and it was stolen. In prisons, altogether, an estimated 57% of inmates had a high school diploma or its equivalent. [*1] And, indeed, there is no denying that lack of a high school diploma will prevent acceleration, either with money-making ability or job opportunities.

Nationally, in local jails, over a third of all inmates reported some physical or mental disability. Altogether, only 54% of inmates had a high school diploma or its equivalent. Thirty-six of all inmates were not employed during the month before they were arrested for their current offense. A quarter of the jail inmates said they had been treated at some time for a mental or emotional problem. [*1] There is no denying that all of these statistics debilitates the inmates from acquiring a legal job. Besides those who fall into the category of debilitated, what can be said of those who are on an equal level with others as far as legal employment ability? It is in only one or two instances where the state minimum wage with a full time job is enough to reach the poverty level. The fact that these individuals are not just randomly committing crimes, and that they are in fact acting based on their conditions, is quite obvious. Of the 272,111 persons released from prisons in 15 States in 1994, an estimated 67.5% were rearrested for a felony or serious misdemeanor within 3 years, 46.9% were reconvicted, and 25.4% resentenced to prison for a new crime. [*1]

The ultimate cause of the Crimes of Greed is poverty. There is no premeditated motive based on disobedience to the law or disrespect for the law — it is based on the ability to make wealth. The economy is the cause of crime. This new realization actually throws responsibility from the criminal to the heads of the economy, or to those who sustain the economy. Tens of millions of Africans, for instance, were born in poverty, because their ancestors were bondaged to slavery without the right to freedom. When an man of African descent commits a crime of theft, it may be less linked to his disobedience than his desire for food. And the same can be said of any man who commits a crime of greed. Though it is hardly deniable that poverty is the cause of these crimes of theft, is it justified to state that the economy is the cause of poverty? Any person who understand basic economics cannot deny this. Capitalism has allowed the most extreme wealth to a few and the most extreme poverty to all. Workers are paid only one tenth of the wealth they create. [*3] The rest of the 90% of that wealth goes into the pockets of the Capitalist class. If workers, in fact, were paid all of the wealth that they labored to create, then their revenue would increase by tenfold — this would mean they could still live in poverty only working 4 hours a week, or double what they are currently making by working only 8 hours a week. More wealth to those who create it, and less work time to the laborers who created all wealth.

There are, of course, various interested players in the system of Capitalism. If the few are the oppressors, and the many are the oppressed, why is it that a revolution has not come? The answer is simple: the oppressed are conditioned to believe that slavery is freedom. From the day a citizen can attend school, they are forced to by law, where they are taught nothing more than lies in an oppressive system that involves torture and abuse. Then the work experience comes where wage-slavery threatens people with starvation if they do not succumb. The media has been purchased by megacorporations and receives grants from the government — never is the truth wholly told. The government lied to the public during the Vietnam War and in fact, few people know today that the war was an attempt to keep Vietnam as a colony of France — the same reason why the colonies of America revolted. The next secret war of the US Army is always around the corner, when the US imperialist government overthrows a democratically elected president and supports their own dictator in South American nations. Poverty has never existed in such prevalence, except those nations touched by contemporary Capitalism, a fact that no economist would be bold enough to refuse. The wars go on and the soldiers die thinking that liberty is what they are fighting for, but when they find themselves in a foreign land burning villages, only those who are free in mind will say, “Is this really for liberty?” The next anti-Capitalism or anti-police brutality is met with rubber bullets and pepper spray, as police officers brutalize and murder citizens — and they think that order is “people not being outraged that 40% of the children here don’t have enough to eat.” [*4] So when people express an anti-government opinion, they can rest in prison cells while the president delivers another address to the people, arguing that invading and destroying another country so we can exploit them for their cheap labor and resources is the same thing as independence. Because when people fight back against their government, they are called “terrorists” — and when a person expresses a revolutionary opinion, they are called an “insurgent.” The media publicizes it and the people buy. From the first day, people are given the mindset that fighting back is futile.

Maybe a police officer will think it’s a lie that “liberty means shooting protestors.” Maybe a soldier will think it’s a lie that “doing your duty means killing civilians.” Maybe a news reporter will think it’s a deception that they refuse to cover the stories of soldiers executing civilians. Tom Hurndall was shot in the head by an Israeli police officer during a peaceful protest. All of the major news networks refused to carry the story. [*5] He was protesting the destruction of a home with bulldozers by a government that oppressed Palestinians. The other 2,500 deaths of refugees, protestors, and political dissidents went uncovered. Carlo Giuliani was shot in the head by Italian police while protesting Capitalism. [*6] Because today, struggling to be free has been labeled as “anarchy and terrorism,” because a movement for and by the people is the equivalent of a “terror cell.” Why talk about the deaths of innocent civilians at the hands of police and soldiers, when we can raise enough support for another war?

Out of sight. Out of mind. The police and soldiers take on the “insurgent” masses while the media convinces the rest that slavery is freedom.

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For Life,
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Resources

*1. U.S. Department of Justice, Office of Justice Programs, Bureau of Justice Statistics. Criminal Offender Statistics, http://www.ojp.usdoj.gov/bjs/crimoff.htm

*2. U.S. Department of Justice, Office of Justice Programs, Bureau of Justice Statistics. Crime Characteristics, http://www.ojp.usdoj.gov/bjs/cvict_c.htm

*3. The mining industry made 174.5 billion in 1997 and paid its workers only 20.9 billion — each worker was paid 12% of the wealth they produced. The construction industry made 834.8 billion and paid its workers 171.0 billion — each worker was paid 20% of the wealth they produced. The manufacturing industry made 3,958.1 billion and paids its workers 595.7 billion — each worker was paid 15% of the wealth they produced. The transportation and public utilities industry made 1,143.9 billion and paid its workers 199.7 billion — each worker was paid 17% of the wealth they produced. The wholesale trade industry made 4,235.4 billion and paid its workers 234.5 billion — each worker was paid 5% of the wealth they produced. The retail trade industry made 2,545.9 billion and paids its workers 290.5 billion — each worker was paid 11% of the wealth they produced. The finance, insurance, and real estate industry made 2,474.9 billion and paid its workers 308.2 billion — each worker was paid 12% of the wealth they produced. The services (taxable firms only) industry made 1,843.8 billion and paid its workers 688.9 billion — each worker was paid 37% of the wealth they produced. [Source: U.S. Census Bureau, 1997 Economic Census, Comparative Statistics, Core Business Stastitics Series, EC97X-C52, issued June 2000.]

*4. UNICEF, State of the World’s Children Report, 2003.

*5. “Not again”: Eyewitness Joe Smith writes about the shooting of Tom Hurndall. Joe Smith, The Electronic Intifada, 12 April 2003

*6. The G8 summit in Genoa, Italy, 7/21/01.

Punkerslut (or Andy Carloff) has been writing essays and poetry on social issues which have caught his attention for several years. His website http://www.punkerslut.com provides a complete list of all of these writings. His life experience includes homelessness, squating in New Orleans and LA, dropping out of high school, getting expelled from college for “subversive activities,” and a myriad of other revolutionary actions.

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