In the West we like to flatter ourselves that we are free. We have Freedom of speech after all, don't we? Well it could be simply a coincidence but writing this particular post this blogger's screen froze at a crucial time. With that, all what she had written vanished. She is however not that paranoid nor that important to matter surely?
So back to square one and here we go again.
Whilst we still have our freedoms it is only in a limited form. Some would say that it is an illusion. That said whatever freedoms we currently enjoy must be protected. The alternative is unthinkable. It harps back to extremism and the Nazi Germany of more than half a century ago.
Western governments are trying to restrict our Internet freedoms under the excuse of preventing child pornography and controlling terrorism. Such criminals will of course find a way around any measures. It will be the ordinary person who will be restricted. It could also be the start of more to come. Each time we let a restriction go by we open the door to more.
Today's email appears to show that President Obama is on the wrong course. It appears to be one that will set him apart form the people he represents, and when all is said and done, he works for the people. The attached video made for interesting viewing but is it all that it seems?
After all it is election year in the US and both the right and left are trying every trick in the book to undermine each other's election campaign. The fact is that some restrictions have been in place in the US for most of this century. George W Bush set the ball rolling, although there were some restrictions in place prior to his Presidency. 9/11 obviously changed lives forever.
According to Wikipedia, "The First Amendment to the United States Constitution states that "Congress shall make no law... abridging... the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances."
How that statement is interpreted in modern America will be debatable. First Amendment Zones, Free speech cages, and Protest zones have been in operation for years. Canada like the US has No Protest Zones available when it suits. Some claim that this is good practice and protects others at events and the like. Others insist it is just one step closer to a Big Brother society.
Correspondence received claims that, "A new law makes it illegal to protest in Obama's presence. This means that, wherever Obama is, you do not have a right to ask him anything you want to. His secret service can have you arrested, fined, and imprisoned for more than a YEAR if you ask him something he doesn't like. Sound like he's more like Hitler than Lincoln to you?"
In George W Bush's era new laws meant that protesters had to stay in designated areas.Supporters were of course allowed full and free access. Hmm. So much for free speech then. Those wearing T Shirts not approved were moved away. Hmm. In the US it also is reported that those who criticise any restrictions are viewed as would be terrorists by the Department for Homeland Security. Hmm. So much for free speech again.
Bush's restrictions were formulated by the Secret Services who have now formulated the latest amendments. Perhaps they want to protect the President, know of undisclosed threats or want to make sure Obama loses the election, who knows.
It does however appear that at least since the time or George W Bush events have been stage managed to portray unyielding support from the Party faithful. Perception is what it is all about I guess. Having supporters in the full public glare and dissidents put of sight, as in the case of George W, is reminiscent of extreme rulers, such as Hitler and Stalin..
The new law makes it illegal to protest anywhere that the Secret Service is present. Perhaps they rule the US and Democracy is just a fallacy? With the recent news on sleaze and the Secret Service that has to be a worrying thought.
Opinions on this, as long as not offensive, are welcome. Presumably if Mitt Romney wins in November said law will remain cast in stone. Which leads one to wonder if in the USA democracy is dead and buried.
My email ended with a statement, which I truly believe, that is, Our lives begin to end the day we become silent about things that matter.
The problem is that the on the Internet things are not always what they seem. You decide.
RELEVANT QUOTES:
"You have the right to free speech. As long as you're not dumb enough to actually try it."—The Clash, Know Your Rights
"Iraqis are sick of foreign people coming in their country and trying to destabilize their country."—G. W. Bush
“When fascism comes to America it will be wrapped in the flag and carrying a cross.”—Sinclair Lewis
"Any society that will give up a little liberty to gain a little security will deserve neither and lose both."—Ben Franklin
"To announce that there must be no criticism of the President, or that we are to stand by the President, right or wrong, is not only unpatriotic and servile, but is morally treasonable to the American public."—Theodore Roosevelt
“Constant war for peace means a progressive loss of our freedom and rights to our own government here at home. War is the problem, not the solution!"
"Government is the Entertainment division of the military-industrial complex." — Frank Zappa
Tags: US secret service, homeland security, President Obama, US election, access, new law
So back to square one and here we go again.
Whilst we still have our freedoms it is only in a limited form. Some would say that it is an illusion. That said whatever freedoms we currently enjoy must be protected. The alternative is unthinkable. It harps back to extremism and the Nazi Germany of more than half a century ago.
Western governments are trying to restrict our Internet freedoms under the excuse of preventing child pornography and controlling terrorism. Such criminals will of course find a way around any measures. It will be the ordinary person who will be restricted. It could also be the start of more to come. Each time we let a restriction go by we open the door to more.
Today's email appears to show that President Obama is on the wrong course. It appears to be one that will set him apart form the people he represents, and when all is said and done, he works for the people. The attached video made for interesting viewing but is it all that it seems?
After all it is election year in the US and both the right and left are trying every trick in the book to undermine each other's election campaign. The fact is that some restrictions have been in place in the US for most of this century. George W Bush set the ball rolling, although there were some restrictions in place prior to his Presidency. 9/11 obviously changed lives forever.
According to Wikipedia, "The First Amendment to the United States Constitution states that "Congress shall make no law... abridging... the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances."
How that statement is interpreted in modern America will be debatable. First Amendment Zones, Free speech cages, and Protest zones have been in operation for years. Canada like the US has No Protest Zones available when it suits. Some claim that this is good practice and protects others at events and the like. Others insist it is just one step closer to a Big Brother society.
Correspondence received claims that, "A new law makes it illegal to protest in Obama's presence. This means that, wherever Obama is, you do not have a right to ask him anything you want to. His secret service can have you arrested, fined, and imprisoned for more than a YEAR if you ask him something he doesn't like. Sound like he's more like Hitler than Lincoln to you?"
In George W Bush's era new laws meant that protesters had to stay in designated areas.Supporters were of course allowed full and free access. Hmm. So much for free speech then. Those wearing T Shirts not approved were moved away. Hmm. In the US it also is reported that those who criticise any restrictions are viewed as would be terrorists by the Department for Homeland Security. Hmm. So much for free speech again.
Bush's restrictions were formulated by the Secret Services who have now formulated the latest amendments. Perhaps they want to protect the President, know of undisclosed threats or want to make sure Obama loses the election, who knows.
It does however appear that at least since the time or George W Bush events have been stage managed to portray unyielding support from the Party faithful. Perception is what it is all about I guess. Having supporters in the full public glare and dissidents put of sight, as in the case of George W, is reminiscent of extreme rulers, such as Hitler and Stalin..
The new law makes it illegal to protest anywhere that the Secret Service is present. Perhaps they rule the US and Democracy is just a fallacy? With the recent news on sleaze and the Secret Service that has to be a worrying thought.
Opinions on this, as long as not offensive, are welcome. Presumably if Mitt Romney wins in November said law will remain cast in stone. Which leads one to wonder if in the USA democracy is dead and buried.
My email ended with a statement, which I truly believe, that is, Our lives begin to end the day we become silent about things that matter.
The problem is that the on the Internet things are not always what they seem. You decide.
RELEVANT QUOTES:
"You have the right to free speech. As long as you're not dumb enough to actually try it."—The Clash, Know Your Rights
"Iraqis are sick of foreign people coming in their country and trying to destabilize their country."—G. W. Bush
“When fascism comes to America it will be wrapped in the flag and carrying a cross.”—Sinclair Lewis
"Any society that will give up a little liberty to gain a little security will deserve neither and lose both."—Ben Franklin
"To announce that there must be no criticism of the President, or that we are to stand by the President, right or wrong, is not only unpatriotic and servile, but is morally treasonable to the American public."—Theodore Roosevelt
“Constant war for peace means a progressive loss of our freedom and rights to our own government here at home. War is the problem, not the solution!"
"Government is the Entertainment division of the military-industrial complex." — Frank Zappa
Tags: US secret service, homeland security, President Obama, US election, access, new law
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