Free speech?

Woman, 86, busted
for shoplifting
anti-wrinkle cream.

Free speech? I saw some Republican (one of the seemingly inexhaustible supply of “consultants,” or “strategists,” that both parties seem to have nowadays) interviewed recently who reported (somehow with a straight face) that the disruptions we are seeing at Democratic town hall and other meetings are merely angry ordinary citizens excercising their rights of free speech. Now, aside from the fact that was a blatant lie, and we know full well that these mobsters (hooligans, gangsters, provocateurs, or whatever you want to call them) are organized and coached by corporations who stand to gain substantially by disrupting any attempts at serious discussion of the issues surrounding health care (see Rachel Maddow today for a really thorough and brilliant expose of this disgusting business), I submit that what we are seeing, far from an exercise of free speech, is the deliberate and willful denial of the free speech of others, not only denying the scheduled speaker the right of free speech, but also denying anyone else who wishes to speak seriously about the issues. This is somewhat similar, I think, to the prohibition on falsely yelling “fire” in a crowded theatre. It should not be allowed. Individuals should certainly be given the right to speak out on issues of concern to them, but they should not be allowed to keep others from doing likewise. To describe what we have been seeing on TV as merely an exercise of free speech is simply ludicrous, unless, perhaps, you believe in Santa Claus, the Tooth Fairy and the Easter Bunny all wrapped into one. Apparently, as this tactic worked for them during the 2000 vote counting, they think it will work again. I don’t believe ordinary, serious-minded Americans are going to tolerate it much longer. If it means a few people have to be escorted out of the room so be it. Republicans did this themselves, as you may recall, when their screening processes, designed to keep potential opponents out in the first place, sometimes broke down (you know, if anyone had an “improper” t-shirt or license plate, etc.).

It seems that the truth about Blackwater (now under a different name) is beginning to come out. It is not pleasant. Not only were they murdering innocent civilians pretty much at will and videotaping it, they were also, it appears, smuggling illegal guns, using prohibited ammunition, and who know what all else. The owner of the company turns out to be a religious nutcase who is trying to cleanse the world of Muslims (I guess he thinks it is possible to murder millions). I certainly hope justice might triumph here, but given the record of the Obama administration so far, don’t bet on it. And don’t forget who hired these murderous thugs in the first place. You might also wonder why it is that Obama is still paying these gangsters.

Now Leon Panetta, head of the CIA, has now come out with the Obama argument that we should not worry about the past (investigate war crimes and torture) but only look to the future. Eric Holder, our Attorney General, has been very remiss in calling for any investigation of war crimes and torture. Am I to believe that both of these individuals, in positions that are supposed to be independent of the White House and politics, are simply doing Obama’s bidding on this? I don’t like to think that, but I fear it may be so. How anyone, including Obama, can not want to investigate torture and other war crimes, is totally beyond my comprehension, especially as their oath to uphold the constitution demands it. These were terrible crimes, involving the deaths of millions, torture most vile, the wanton killing of innocent civilians, and so on. The unwarranted and unprovoked attack on Iraq was itself the worst war crime of all. I suspect if all the truth about the Bush/Cheney administration was known it would be far worse than we suspect even now. But it appears nothing is going to be done to hold these criminals accountable. Don’t even bet that Blackwater will be punished.

There is a great article on Alternet today by Arun Gupta, “How We Became a Society of Gluttonous Junk Food Addicts.” It is well worth reading.

LKBIQ:
God gives every bird its food, but He does not throw it into its nest.
J. G. Holland

TILT:
Apparently, where you find wolves you do not find coyotes.