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Tag(s): American Foreign Policy; Democracy; Fear; Freedom; Government; Law; Military; People; People; Republican; (more...) Senate; Sovereignty; Terrorism (less...)
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September 23, 2007 at 11:42:23

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Say Goodbye To America

by Bruce Allen Morris Page 1 of 1 page(s)

www.opednews.com

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The United States Senate today took a horrendously frightening step. It passed, 72-25, a resolution condemning the Move-On Petraeus ad. Yes, that’s correct, the United States Senate just officially and as a governing body condemned lawful political speech clearly protected by the First Amendment.

Lets’ review. The First Amendment states: “Congress shall pass no law . . . abridging the freedom of speech . . . .” Granted, it does not specifically ban resolutions against free speech, but the principle of free speech has to prevail over any such technical arguments.

The Supreme Court has consistently viewed political speech as an especially sacred category of speech entitled to the highest protection. Political speech is quite literally the life-force of popular sovereignty and democracy. Without free political speech, there is no freedom, no democracy, no government really, just tyranny.

Think about it. What is the most telling characteristic of all totalitarian governments? Suppression of dissent, punishment and even execution of opponents of the rulers. Our Senate, in one of the few bipartisan acts of this entire session, just outlined political speech that it finds unacceptable.

It is a very small step from resolutions against certain political speech to laws against it and even punishments for it. And do not think for even a minute that the current Supreme Court would be sure to reverse a law making denigration of military officials in time of war a crime. It can so easily be framed as a matter of national security; that with terrorists potentially hiding behind every beard and under every Move-On T-shirt, criticism of the military poses a clear and present danger to the safety of the American people. And now that so many Democrats have gone on record condemning such speech, they are perfectly set up to be called flip-flopping, liberal, America-hating extremists for refusing to walk their talk and make illegal the type of speech they have already condemned on the record.

That the Democrats joined in this nefarious step toward outlawing speech against the government’s position despite the First Amendment just shows how far toward fascism we have really come. I actually think, today, we are there.

Think about how easily the Democrats could have opposed this resolution and taken at the same time a strong stand for the First Amendment while criticizing Republicans for wanting to violate our most important and cherished right. The Democrats could have simply said: “Whatever we may personally think about the wisdom or propriety of the Move-On ad, we do not believe it is the place of the United States Senate to take an official position on lawful speech protected by the First Amendment of the United States Constitution. Just as we would never consider an official resolution condemning, for example, the Swift Boat Ads against John Kerry, we believe it is highly inappropriate and even unconstitutional for the Republicans to seek official government condemnation of lawful speech.” Instead, the damn fool Democrats instead tried to pass a resolution condemning lawful speech they did not like, the Swift Boat ads. That this resolution failed while the Move-on resolution passed is even more scary, but really beside the point.

Because the point is it is never the business of the government to condemn private non-dangerous political speech regardless of its target or content.

I now believe the Democrats’ vote had nothing to do with their alleged fear of being called weak on national security or being opposed to the troops or soft on terrorism. The First Amendment gave them too easy an opportunity to oppose it on solid, easily explained and advantageous constitutional grounds without ever getting into the substance of the ad.

No, I believe that enough Democrats are fascists too that we can now safely say our government is run by fascists. Remember, fascism is really nothing more than government by a self-selected elite that puts its interests before those of the people based on a governing principle holding that the people exist to serve the state and have no inherent rights and, finally, that the will of the people can only truly be known and implemented by this ruling elite. Of course, the primary and paramount vehicle through which the people are manipulated, used and exploited is continuous war against ever-present and terrifying enemies sure to destroy each and every citizen if not for the protection of the leaders. Such a war footing requires glorification and exaltation of the military as the ultimate and most sacred representation of the inherent superiority and unmatched virtue of the culture.

If this is not what we just saw with the Move-on ad I don’t know what is. Move-on, a wholly legal, hugely popular, fully legitimate political action group was just equated with our “terrorist enemy” and condemned by a Senate resolution. Think resolutions lack legal force?: think Iraq war resolution.

We have slowly lost habeas corpus, protection against unlawful searches and seizures; the right to counsel, to know the charges against us, the right to a due-process criminal trial. Today, we just saw the first move against freedom of speech, made by the Democrats too.

Say goodbye to America; Say goodbye my baby. (With apologies to Billy Joel)

http://madnessofdivinity.blogspot.com

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17 comments

I was born in Los Angeles and raised in Mexico City. I have travelled throughout Latin America, Europe and Arfica. We're all the same.
GuajolotlI was born in Los Angeles and raised in Mexico City. I have travelled throughout Latin America, Europe and Arfica. We're all the same.

DEFINITION OF FASCISM

Extreme nationalism and xenophobia, abrogation of human rights; using scapegoats to unify the rest and blame the victim; glorification of militarism; rampant sexism and homophobia; a controlled mass media; obsession with national security and secrecy to cover up mistakes and illegal acts; non-separation between church and state, interchangeability of corporations and government; co-optation, persecution and elimination of labor unions; disdain and suppression of intellectuals and the arts in favor of consumerism; obsession with crime and punishment; rampant cronyism and corruption; fraudulent elections.

When Bush and Cheney instituted the Patriot Act and National Security against terrorism, it was soft-soaped as measures against foreign Middle Eastern fanatics, but I immediately realized that it was really against White, Protestant, red-blooded Americans who dared to demonstrate for peace and who dared to dissent from the right wing agenda. Now we are ebginning to see whom these laws have really been made for.

by Guajolotl (0 articles, 0 quicklinks, 0 diaries, 131 comments) on Sunday, September 23, 2007 at 12:41:13 PM

Jim Freeman's op-ed pieces and commentaries have appeared in The New York Times, Chicago Tribune, International Herald-Tribune, CNN, The New York Review, The Jon Stewart Daily Show and a number of magazines.
Jim FreemanJim Freeman's op-ed pieces and commentaries have appeared in The New York Times, Chicago Tribune, International Herald-Tribune, CNN, The New York Review, The Jon Stewart Daily Show and a number of magazines.

DEFINITION OF FASCISM

It's a whopper of a leap to your uniquely expanded definition of fascism from the more accepted

A political theory advocating an authoritarian hierarchical government (as opposed to democracy or liberalism)

But I get your drift.

by Jim Freeman (108 articles, 53 quicklinks, 224 diaries, 386 comments) on Sunday, September 23, 2007 at 3:27:58 PM

I am a Canadian politiphile with a special interest in the American empire.
deliaI am a Canadian politiphile with a special interest in the American empire.

Agreed

This is especially egregious, considering that no one has condemned the White House for debasing the integrity of the US officer corps by setting up a General as the president's mouthpiece -- even putting Bush's exact words in his mouth. The same thing is happening in Canada with respect to Afganistan and General Rick Hillier. I am suddenly ashamed to have served in the Canadian Armed Forces.

After WWII, many thousands of complicit Germans and Austrians and French had to be deemed non-complicit because to put such a big chunk of the population in jail would have made the European reconstruction impossible. It took those countries a long time to work through their guilt -- and it's still a residual problem today.

How are we all gonna feel when the present criminal enterprise comes crashing down on us? Will we be able to forgive ourselves for not making that extra effort to stop the torture and killing? Will we be haunted by thoughts of what we could have done? General strike, massive civil disobedience, etc. Short of dousing ourselves with gasoline and torching ourselves on the steps of Congress/Parliament, is there something else we should be doing?

While I was never asked to obey a criminal order when I was in the Service, I can also say that I would not have known what a criminal order was, had I been given one. That is the position our troops are in, both in Afghanistan and Iraq. How are they gonna handle it when the day of reckoning comes?

by delia (0 articles, 1 quicklinks, 0 diaries, 112 comments) on Sunday, September 23, 2007 at 1:25:11 PM

Currently I'm a cartoonist and contributing writer for The New Orleans Levee. For those wishing to view my work you can see my latest at: nolevee.com
Mr MCurrently I'm a cartoonist and contributing writer for The New Orleans Levee. For those wishing to view my work you can see my latest at: nolevee.com

No hope

I truly have no hope for this country. I've lost it. Over the years it would get chipped away with things like this ridiculous passage of a condemnation of free speech, or huge chunks fall away with the fraudulent elections and the illegal invasion and occupation of a nation that was no threat with no accountability for those that caused these horrendous crimes against humanity.

And I just don't see anything getting any better. A majority of the public seems unwilling to be educated to what is going on and afraid to do anything about it if they are. It simply seems we're on a free-fall to our inevitable destruction and there's this "oh, well" attitude.

We are December's Children and I'm beginning to think the end of our species isn't such a bad thing.

by Mr M (4 articles, 0 quicklinks, 20 diaries, 1781 comments) on Sunday, September 23, 2007 at 1:45:42 PM

i am a former teacher of 30 years with a history and political science major.I started getting politically active when Ronnie Regan ended my social security hopes for teahers
liberalsrocki am a former teacher of 30 years with a history and political science major.I started getting politically active when Ronnie Regan ended my social security hopes for teahers

wake up and smell the roses

i see where one writer says its a stretch to call the latest step Facism.will it take people coming to your house to arrest you personally before you finally wake up.We have had 2 crocked elections,machines that control our voting and have been rigged.We have a press,radio,tv that are nothing more then mouthpieces for Republican propaganda.We have two parties that bend over backwards to kiss the behinds of the corporations (a classic defintion of Facism the control of the state by corporations ).People who lead protest are arrested deneying them free speech and assembly.You can be tried by a military tribunal if the government decides your a terrorist.The government can spy on you at will and is doing so.I repeat my question to the first writer, what part of Facist dictatorhip don"t you understand.

by liberalsrock (0 articles, 0 quicklinks, 0 diaries, 128 comments) on Sunday, September 23, 2007 at 6:27:29 PM

"wake up and smell the roses"

Read Automated Targeting and then lecture me about smelling roses.

by Jim Freeman (108 articles, 53 quicklinks, 224 diaries, 386 comments) on Tuesday, September 25, 2007 at 7:08:06 AM

Mail carrier who drives the rest of my colleagues nuts with my politics.
ScottMail carrier who drives the rest of my colleagues nuts with my politics.

Here's a pacifier and some diapers

The Senate did not pass a law outlawing Moveon's stupid ad; they passed a resolution. Those are non-binding actions. I haven't heard this much crying since I was stuck on a plane with a red-faced infant.

by Scott (0 articles, 0 quicklinks, 0 diaries, 586 comments) on Sunday, September 23, 2007 at 6:53:25 PM

'The people are the only sure reliance for the preservation of our liberty.' Thomas Jefferson 1787
Munich'The people are the only sure reliance for the preservation of our liberty.' Thomas Jefferson 1787

Re: Say Goodbye To America

Damail:

Standing up to the Neo-Fascists who are trying to destroy the very fabric of which America was built isn't crying! General Petraeus is a man with no honor or dignity. To sit before the Senate and lie through his teeth is despicable! Petraeus is just a water boy water for a feckless and mendacious administration hell bent on war, profit and hegemony in the Middle East, regardless of how many innocent men, woman and children who'll perish needlessly or who will be permanently maimed for life! Petraeus has no honor. He and his handlers don't give a rat's ass whether this illegal and horrific war in Iraq ends today, or thirty years from now!

This war is wrong! And Move On was merely taking a stand to help bring attention and perhaps to put an end to this fascism and tyranny which is slowing working it's way into America. That's not crying!

110th CONGRESS1st Session

S. RES. 315

To express the sense of the Senate that General David H. Petraeus, Commanding General, Multi-National Force--Iraq, deserves the full support of the Senate and strongly condemns personal attacks on the honor and integrity of General Petraeus and all the members of the United States Armed Forces.

IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES

September 11, 2007

Mr. CORNYN (for himself, Mr. ROBERTS, and Mr. MARTINEZ) submitted the following resolution; which was referred to the Committee on Armed Services

RESOLUTION

Whereas the Senate unanimously confirmed General David H. Petraeus as Commanding General, Multi-National Force--Iraq, by a vote of 81-0 on January 26, 2007;

Whereas General Petraeus graduated first in his class at the United States Army Command and General Staff College;

Whereas General Petraeus earned Masters of Public Administration and Doctoral degrees in international relations from Princeton University;

Whereas General Petraeus has served multiple combat tours in Iraq, including command of the 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault) during combat operations throughout the first year of Operation Iraqi Freedom, which tours included both major combat operations and subsequent stability and support operations;

Whereas General Petraeus supervised the development and crafting of the United States Army and Marine Corps counterinsurgency manual based in large measure on his combat experience in Iraq, scholarly study, and other professional experiences;

Whereas General Petraeus has taken a solemn oath to protect and defend the Constitution of the United States of America;

Whereas during his 35-year career, General Petraeus has amassed a distinguished and unvarnished record of military service to the United States as recognized by his receipt of a Defense Distinguished Service Medal, two Distinguished Service Medals, two Defense Superior Service Medals, four Legions of Merit, the Bronze Star Medal for valor, the State Department Superior Honor Award, the NATO Meritorious Service Medal, and other awards and medals; and

Whereas a recent attack through a full-page advertisement in the New York Times by the liberal activist group, Moveon.org, impugns the honor and integrity of General Petraeus and all the members of the United States Armed Forces: Now, therefore, be it

Resolved,

by Munich (0 articles, 74 quicklinks, 13 diaries, 922 comments) on Sunday, September 23, 2007 at 8:33:06 PM

Bruce is 46 year-old father of one, stepfather of three and grandfather of two, who left a lucrative law practice at a large national law firm to work, advocate and write for social justice and equality and find a way to incorporate a spiritual life into the material world. He now struggles along to make a decent living while holding true to his deepest principles in Portland Oregon.
Bruce Allen MorrisBruce is 46 year-old father of one, stepfather of three and grandfather of two, who left a lucrative law practice at a large national law firm to work, advocate and write for social justice and equality and find a way to incorporate a spiritual life into the material world. He now struggles along to make a decent living while holding true to his deepest principles in Portland Oregon.

I am glad we agree,

Scott, that Congressional resolutions are non-binding. This means, of course, that the Iraq War resolution is non-binding and meaningless, correct?

Study a little law, my friend, and you will know that political speech expressing one's opinion is by definition not libel. But why let something like the law get in the way? That' not the Bush way at all.

And, please, keep your dislike for innocent little babies to yourself!

by Bruce Allen Morris (36 articles, 0 quicklinks, 10 diaries, 52 comments) on Monday, September 24, 2007 at 8:15:16 PM

Reverend Mark J. Seydel. Interfaith Minister/Student.Warrington, PA USA
Reverend Mark J. SeydelReverend Mark J. Seydel. Interfaith Minister/Student.Warrington, PA USA

What a great article!

Thank you for this article. I would urge people to let others know about it.

by Reverend Mark J. Seydel (0 articles, 0 quicklinks, 1 diaries, 9 comments) on Sunday, September 23, 2007 at 7:38:05 PM

Mail carrier who drives the rest of my colleagues nuts with my politics.
ScottMail carrier who drives the rest of my colleagues nuts with my politics.

It is crying. And it is libel.

Gen. Petraus has more honor and nobility than you will ever witness on any of the cesspool threads that pollute the net 24/7.

by Scott (0 articles, 0 quicklinks, 0 diaries, 586 comments) on Sunday, September 23, 2007 at 11:28:15 PM

John Perry is a morning radio personality in his home state of Connecticut. He started paying closer attention to life inside the Beltway several years ago, when it became obvious to him that his "representatives" were not interested in helping independent webcasters, who to this day remain under attack and faced with extinction, thanks to the nefarious efforts of the RIAA to maximize consolidation of Internet music distribution. He had been attempting to launch his own Internet radio ...

to see more of bio, click on member name
John PerryJohn Perry is a morning radio personality in his home state of Connecticut. He started paying closer attention to life inside the Beltway several years ago, when it became obvious to him that his "representatives" were not interested in helping independent webcasters, who to this day remain under attack and faced with extinction, thanks to the nefarious efforts of the RIAA to maximize consolidation of Internet music distribution. He had been attempting to launch his own Internet radio ...

to see more of bio, click on member name

Really?

Is that why his own boss, CENTCOM Commander Admirial Willam Fallon, calls him "an ass-kissing little chicken shit"?

In fact, the Move On ad is Constitutionally protected free speech. And by inserting himself into the role of spokesman (or by allowing himself to be inserted in such a role) for a president who is competely devoid of any measure of credibility, Petraeus becomes fair political game.

The neocons and their blind, boot-licking supporters are the real whiners.

They cannot grasp the concept of rules that are fair for EVERYBODY. They seek the complete elimination of ANYTHING AND EVERYTHING that does not comport with their lust for absolute power.

Pull your head out of your ass and do something postive for your country.

by John Perry (31 articles, 32 quicklinks, 1 diaries, 81 comments) on Monday, September 24, 2007 at 7:52:30 AM

Mail carrier who drives the rest of my colleagues nuts with my politics.
ScottMail carrier who drives the rest of my colleagues nuts with my politics.

My head is free and clear and held high

"Moveon's ad is constitutionally protected free speech..." Well, duh! Of course, it is. And the Senate's action did not change that at all. They just made a declaration that does not cancel the ad in any way and yet still has put your underwear in a bunch. Petraus, in my opinion, is an honorable man. That sentence I just typed is just as constitutionally protected as Moveon's silly ad.

by Scott (0 articles, 0 quicklinks, 0 diaries, 586 comments) on Tuesday, September 25, 2007 at 12:28:21 AM

I see. So you know better than the man's own boss.

I'll let your pretentious arrogance speak for itself.

The problem is not whether the Constitution allows you or me or Move On to speak freely. The problem is that the Senate has no damn business wasting time on worthless resolutions attacking free speech when they can't even vote to cut our troops a break between deployments to Bush's bullshit war.

Couldn't agree more about your head being "free and clear."

by John Perry (31 articles, 32 quicklinks, 1 diaries, 81 comments) on Tuesday, September 25, 2007 at 7:53:50 AM

Mail carrier who drives the rest of my colleagues nuts with my politics.
ScottMail carrier who drives the rest of my colleagues nuts with my politics.

Yes, it is free and clear.

That's his boss' opinion. He can think what he wants. And I will agree about one thing: Non-binding resolutions voted by either houses of Congress have no force of law and are, from a practical standpoint, meaningless. But gee whiz, that's now light years away from the assertion that this Senate resolution destroyed the Constitution and the country.

by Scott (0 articles, 0 quicklinks, 0 diaries, 586 comments) on Tuesday, September 25, 2007 at 10:44:39 PM

I made no such assertion.

But since you mentioned it... This Congress (House and Senate included) already had us well down the road to destruction of our Constitution and country before this resolution came along, with their spineless refusal to hold the Bush administration truly accountable for anything.

When they waste time with such ridiculous crap, encouraged by "gee whiz"-ers like you, while the illegal occupation of Iraq rages on and American and Iraqi bodies continue to pile up, while Bush continues to oversee torture and secret rendition, while illegal warrantless spying continues, and the Pretender-in-Chief continues to claim non-existent authority via worthless signing statements to ignore laws passed by Congress, in a systematic effort to render our Constitution null and void, they only amplify their malfeasance.

by John Perry (31 articles, 32 quicklinks, 1 diaries, 81 comments) on Wednesday, September 26, 2007 at 8:18:58 AM