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Police-State-Patriotism
Fourth Amendment: “The right of the people to be secure
in their persons, houses, papers, and effects, against unreasonable
searches and seizures, shall not be violated, and no Warrants shall issue,
but upon probable cause, supported by Oath or affirmation, and particularly
describing the place to be searched, and the persons or things to be seized.”
Fifth Amendment: “No person shall be held to answer for
a capitol, or otherwise infamous crime, unless on a presentment or indictment
of a Grand Jury, except in cases arising in the land or naval forces, or
in the Militia, when in actual service in time of War or public danger; nor
shall any person be subject for the same offense to be twice put in jeopardy
of life or limb, nor shall be compelled in any criminal case to be a witness
against himself, nor be deprived of life, liberty, or property, without due
process of law; nor shall private property be taken for public use without
just compensation.”
Sixth Amendment: “In all criminal prosecution, the accused
shall enjoy the right to a speedy and public trial, by an impartial jury
of the State and district wherein the crime shall have been committed; which
district shall have been previously ascertained by law, and to be informed
of the nature and cause of the accusation; to be confronted with the witnesses
against him; to have compulsory process for obtaining witnesses in his favor,
and to have the assistance of counsel for his defense.”
Restriction
of free thought and free speech is the most dangerous of all subversions.
It is the one un-American act that could easily defeat us.
--William O. Douglas
My enthusiasm
is lacking for this police-state-patriotism that John Ashcroft so eagerly
prescribed for the masses. Indeed, I am repelled by what he perceives to
be desirable patriotic expression. His most recent “phantoms of lost liberties”
rebuke will not ease the pain of his Bully-Brother tactics. In testimony
given before the Senate Judiciary Committee, our Attorney General, the archetype
of sanctimoniousness, dared to insinuate that those people failing to enthusiastically
embrace his “Homeland” security tactics are unpatriotic and enablers of terrorism.
What balderdash! What impudence! What treachery! The measure of arrogance
in the testimony of this neo-Pharisee was that of a self-absorbed man, zealously
dispensing autographed copies of His Bible. Rest assured! Lady Justice dared
not expose her ample breasts at this pious gathering of the elite. In fairness
to General Ashcroft, I must admit that the only inspiration Janet Reno received
from Lady Justice was a desire for implants. The drivel emanating freely
from his Senate inquisitors and the stomach-churning hypocrisy of their prey,
gave cause to reach for the handy vomit pail. Thinking Americans quickly
learn to prepare for such eventualities when witnessing congressional hearings
on C-SPAN. There was absolutely no possibility of revealing his self-aggrandizing
motivations at this spineless investigative hearing. The odds were the same
against Bill Clinton and his cattle futures queen ever facing justice.
Formerly a staunch supporter of John Ashcroft -- leaving aside his alleged
pro-Second Amendment stance -- I must now denounce his demigod aspirations.
Never hesitating to let the people know of his outrage over this, or about
that, will he now seek vengeance on those unrepentant souls who persist in
challenging his tactics? What lengths will he go to express his displeasure
under the preposterous claim of defending our freedoms? Are they to be blacklisted
as terrorist sympathizers or traitors? Will their telephones and computers
be wiretapped? Can we expect their bank accounts to be forfeited, or homes
ransacked without court ordered warrants supported by probable cause and
sworn affidavits? Are the harassment tactics of IRS audits in the offing?
Will it be a secretive home or office invasion, a knock on the door, or the
favored battering-ram incursion? Will false evidence be planted? How many
upright reputations and innocent lives will be destroyed? Who will become
his next “person of interest?” Because of love for my country and standing
in defense of human rights, will I suffer the pain of his wrath? Or, will
you?
Recently, the Attorney General publicly advocated the use of detention camps
for U. S. citizens suspected as having terrorist associations. John Ashcroft
has already demonstrated to the people of this nation that little evidence
is required prior to incarceration. If I am not mistaken, Heinrich Himmler
originally intended his camps to be used for political nonconformists, and
others suspected as enemies of the German “Fatherland.” Does it not gnaw
on your sense of security to know that the Attorney General and President
can condemn -- through an unconstitutionally clandestine “committee” -- any
citizen as an “enemy combatant” of the American “Homeland?” This unfortunate
citizen -- possibly you or a member of your family -- could further be stripped
of citizenship and imprisoned for an indefinite period at an undisclosed
location. All of which will be accomplished without ethical judicial oversight
or Fourth, Fifth, and Sixth Amendment protections. Except for declarations
of war, martial law, or insurrections, habeas corpus -- the people’s protection
against illegal imprisonment -- cannot be suspended. And, if government nullifies
any of the twenty-six Amendments (18th repealed by the 21st) or Articles
of the Constitution, it has then lost its constitutional foundations; consequently,
bureaucratic legitimacy is ended, and all authority forfeited. John Ashcroft’s
abuse of power is too obvious to be ignored. Please do not jeopardize family
welfare by naively assuming that such miscarriages of justice and acts of
tyranny cannot occur on U. S. soil. Like myself, awaken to reality. They have begun!
Unlike our government’s inability to connect the dots of evidence pertaining
to the September 11th terrorist attacks, are these dots of tyrannical behavior
beginning to connect for you? Many loyal Americans are now vulnerable to
all such governmental abuses as a consequence of this deceptively labeled
“USA Patriot Act.” Are John Ashcroft’s assurances of protected human rights,
enough for you? His unenforceable personal promises bring me no relief, and
certainly do not enhance my confidence in his roguish or bumbling federal
police force raiders. If not held in check by the people, this contemptuous
public servant will have all the might of this bureaucracy -- including its
weaponry -- to bring only misery to those possessors of courage and dignity
that hazard to speak the unpopular and denied truth. Bravely dismissing their
fear of government, these concerned, informed, and outspoken patriots are
the unimpeachable champions of our nation. Not he! Unlike General Ashcroft,
sincere patriots of America will never infringe upon the unalienable rights
of others, for any reason. By what constitutional or moral authority does
he do so? Is it now his contention that the destruction the Bill of Rights
is acceptable collateral damage in the government’s war on terrorism? His
recent breach of the barriers set forth in the peremptory Bill of Rights
has destroyed his credibility as a defender of justice and the Constitution.
He has betrayed the principles of a free nation. Contrary to his nationally
applauded position, no situation (terrorism, world war, natural disasters,
etc.) can ever be so grave as to justify any encroachments on the Bill of
Rights. A war that is focused on fighting terrorism, perpetrated within the
borders of this nation or against constitutionally supported United States
interests, is always justified but never the intentional or careless destruction
of our Constitution.
Is
life so dear or peace so sweet, as to be purchased at the price of chains
and slavery? Forbid it, Almighty God! I know not what course others may take,
but as for me, give me liberty or give me death!
--Patrick Henry
I shall
never capitulate to Osama bin Laden or John Ashcroft with his enforced police-state-patriotism.
Both adversaries of liberty invade our lives with their own measure of misery
and tyranny. If we are to survive as a free America, the citizenry must shed
this emasculating yoke of national fear, and resist General Ashcroft’s unconstitutional
raids on our unalienable rights. His words and actions are un-American, having
no correspondence with our founding principles. They are ruthless assaults
on the American people, and carry the potential of inciting violent national
rebellion. This must never occur! As a constitutionally recognized citizen
defender of our nation and in accordance with my patriotic heritage, I hereby
publicly condemn his fascistic, predatory tactics. John Ashcroft is an unrestrained
public servant; he must become our “person of interest” for the purposes
of self-defense, preservation of our liberties, his impeachment, and well-deserved
criminal prosecution.
Acts of War and Betrayals Demand Soldierly Responses
The September 11th horrors inflicted upon the people of our nation far exceeded
the limitations of verbal or written expression. Having experienced -- along
with millions of others -- the outrage and a profound sadness for the victims
and their families, I nevertheless refused to participate, and waver from,
a pragmatic response to our nation’s ordeal, with a futile exposition of
sympathy and sorrow. In addition to diverting the people’s attention from
vital inquiries and effective responses, government and media orchestrated
expressions of grief or exemplary patriotism always lack sincerity, and never
fill the void. Gracelessly, hollow commiserations were eagerly delivered
by those of American adoration: politicians, movie stars, and other well-rewarded
notables of exploitation and arrogance, superficiality and self-indulgence.
Nor were the unceasing spectacles of emotionalism valiant responses from
the conformable masses -- weeping alongside the same congressional humbugs
and the Hollywood debauched, offering-up candles to the heavens, sporting
colorful ribbons, and collectively undergoing televised crisis therapy --
as they only demonstrated our urgent need for a massive therapeutic dose
of testosterone if we are to survive as a free nation. No! This act of war
demanded focused and soldierly responses from the people. Including: personal
and family defense preparations, national condemnation of our government’s
betrayal, and demands for an immediate constitutional revamping of foreign
policy. Although discouraging for the fair-weather-patriots of “Teletubby”
land, genuine patriotism will require far more than participation in emotionally
arousing media events, overspending at the neighborhood shopping mall, enduring
the indignities of airport security molestations, the frenzied waving of
flags, or childish jubilation each time this wanting President fortifies
our feeble spirits with a few rehearsed words of bravado. Such quasi-patriotic
gestures are little more than diversions and emotional masturbation. With
faculties intact, I instead adopted a patriotic stance and honored our fallen
Americans by focusing my attention towards the curtailment of terrorist acts,
regardless of origin.
Having no desire to belabor this subject, we have three basic categories
of people who claim to identify with American patriotism. The liberty-committed-patriots
are to be honored, as they will endure sacrifices if and when necessary in
defense of this nation and human rights. Following with a pathetic stature
are the pseudo-patriot clans, habitually displaying intense loyalty to political
factions and their leaders but not to our nation and Constitution. They cannot
conceive or appreciate ideologies beyond the confines of “Party” indoctrination,
and are willing pawns of the elite. Their usefulness as instruments of tyranny
is obvious. Such no-questions-asked loyalties were necessary for enslaving
the peoples of Communist China, Russia, and Nazi Germany. More recently,
loyal Democrats enthusiastically either denied or justified the treasonous
and criminal activities of the Clinton duo. Obedient Rush Limbaugh ditto-heads
are doing likewise regarding George Bush’s betraying encroachments upon our
liberties and nonexistent defense of constitutional principles. The disingenuous
responses from both feuding clans are equally detrimental to liberty and
the stability of our nation. Their blind loyalty has earned nothing more
than contempt from genuine American patriots. Other than to add that they
will receive a thorough thrashing from the hands of reality and wisdom after
everything is lost, further comments would be pointless. Lastly, we have
the dependency-motivated-patriots who are a sizeable and nauseating crowd
indeed. People of this mentality were never the builders of this sovereign
and prosperous nation, nor will they ever be its defenders. If not suckling
at the nanny-state teat, they are whining for more bureaucratic guidance
and emotional support. They lack self-discipline, practicality, and dependability;
their goal is to enlist leaders who will fulfill all needs and require no
sacrifice in exchange. They deserve to be enslaved by the socialist oppressor.
Nationally televised emotionalism may validate their fanciful visions of
patriotism, or arouse enough sensations of self-esteem to drag them through
the day, but as their primary endeavor, cannot lead to a noble or victorious
end. Unless patriotism embraces truth and stimulates honorable, thoughtful,
and practical action, it will recklessly seduce us into feel-good or factional
legislation, which renders regret and places all citizens in unnecessary
positions of vulnerability. Although their sentiments are distinct, our loyalist
gladiators and these timid groupies are responsible for the police state
consequences of such legislation.
In adopting the fundamentals for the creation of this government, the Founders
did not guarantee our education, prosperity, health, comfort, or safety.
Instead, they wisely guaranteed our liberty, which holds far greater potentials
for the dignity and growth of mankind. Out of ignorance, fear, and cowardice,
the majority of citizens are willing to submit, and give federal government
more control over their personal lives. Bread, along with the well-deserved
performing end of a circus, will be their only rewards for submission. Will
it really make any difference whether our enslaving masters are Communists,
Fascists, the United Nations, Democrats, or Republicans? Ask yourself!
Government officials have mastered the unethical arts of diversion and deception.
We can easily blame terrorism for our fear and confusion; it is difficult
to challenge those disloyal public servants who have skillfully stolen our
liberties and nation. To assume that government has a genuine interest in
quieting our fears is unreasoned optimism. Mass anxiety is the equivalent
of steroids for big-government. If we feel helpless, government is energized
and becomes our imaginary solution to all national and personal problems.
Be aware! Be skeptical! Think! Do not be diverted, deceived, and mesmerized
by these bureaucrats. And, do not blindly accept my words or those of others
as truth. Investigate, discriminate, and question everything not proven.
Revolution must begin from within the individual. If the improvement of government
and society is our goal, we -- as individuals -- must first change. It starts
with you! The American people must begin by rejecting all bureaucratic and
media conditioning, and learn to perceive and reason as individuals, hence,
successfully resisting those puppeteers in our government that demand unquestioning
compliance. Such a challenge requires sustained conscious effort. Without
the ability to discriminate between authoritative programming and personal
beliefs, we can never be truly free. Always question. Question again!
It is essential that our honorable men and women defend the constitutional
principles of self-governance and liberty. This critical undertaking cannot
be left to the rank and file of today’s feckless and cosmetic society; where
mediocrity is widely chosen as a rewardable goal. Having scorned the illuminating
potentialities of liberty, thus, mastering nothing beyond competitive pretentiousness,
behavioral excellence is of little interest to the American masses. With
the exception of a few self-reliant thinkers, we have degraded into a people
of frills and thrills, spurning everything remotely resembling authenticity,
self-responsibility, virtue, and wisdom. The majority of Americans now exist
in a state of intellectual hibernation. Emotionalism has become our badge
of honor; it is displayed as an exemplary measure of accomplishment. Dare
if you can, one hour of primetime television -- reflecting the national standards
of today -- and draw your own conclusions.
Because it is now in fashion and touches everyone’s heart, we are always
talking about the welfare of our children. Yet, we have the abilities to
do something worthwhile on their behalf. We have natural instincts, intelligence,
and all the tools needed to educate, thereupon, safeguard our children. However,
courage and a willing acceptance of our parental responsibilities are lacking.
Or, perhaps we are simply bedazzled by our fantastic toys and mind-numbing
entertainment, forgetting that our children deserve more psychological attentiveness,
protection, and obedience training than the treasured household pet. Knowledge
is an indispensable defense against enslavement. I believe that upon the
conclusion of an adequate inquiry, responsible parents will wisely evacuate
their children from government regulated educational programs, where stupefying
“New World Order” indoctrination is demanded. Private and home schooling
are sensible alternatives to this morally and intellectually barren public
system. To the unconcerned, be mindful of the life threatening betrayals
by our leaders and other public servants, while pondering this question:
Can I, as a conscientious and informed parent, further entrust the lives,
freedoms, and education of my children to authoritarians like George Bush,
John Ashcroft, Tom Ridge, and Donald Rumsfeld? We are responsible for the
welfare of our families. Thank God; they are not! It would be difficult explaining
to my children why I betrayed their confidence and failed to provide able
defenses by means of a well-balanced education. Such an admission would demand
far more courage than needed for their defense. For the preservation of their
lives, freedoms, and independence of thought, I trust that the undaunted
thirty-percent of this nation -- those not cowering under their beds awaiting
government miracles -- will confront this escalating educational crisis in
a logical, effective, and sustaining manner. A soldierly response is needed!
Sergei Borglum Hoff is the grandnephew of Gutzon Borglum, the sculptor of Mount Rushmore National Memorial.
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