Free speech takes a hitPosted Wednesday, August 25, 2010, at 8:13 AM
Last week, we criticized those Islamaphobics who are opposing the construction of a mosque near the site of the 9/11 attacks.
The problem, as we saw it, was their opposition to a Constitutional right to freedom of religion. But as misguided as we believe they are -- a product we readily admit is due to the insensitivity of the mosque proponents for choosing that location -- we also believe those opponents have a fundamental constitutional right to speak their mind. Apparently, Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi disagrees. She wants to see the opponents "investigated" -- functionally harassed -- for expressing their opinion. This, in many ways, is an even worse -- and more direct -- assault on the Constitution. It reminds us of Nixon and his enemies list. There is no right in this country more important, or more fundamental, than the right of free speech. It is the right of free speech that protects all the other rights granted in the Constitution. You don't even have to be right, logical or fair. The Constitution doesn't care. The Constitution doesn't take polls to decide which way the wind blows (a la Harry Reid). It doesn't bow to public sentiment. It stands like a rock against all adversity, protecting both the great and small, both the mainstream and the reviled. There are times when some people appear to believe the Constitution is something that is merely convenient, when it supports their cause, but something they can ignore when it doesn't. But that isn't true. The Constitution stands above petty politics and endures as the very foundation of all the ideals that this country represents. The mosque controversy began as a simple local planning and zoning issue. It was approved by a 23-1 vote. But it has become a test of our fundamental principles --both freedom of religion and freedom of expression. It has blurred the political boundaries, with liberals like Harry Reid opposing its construction, and staunch conservatives like Ron Paul criticizing the opposition. We believe Paul has the better argument. He makes a valid distinction between a religion and religious fanatic terrorists. He stands on firm Constitutional and historical grounds, we believe. Religious animosity has always been a part of every culture and society. There was a time in this country, for example, when states tried to block the right of Catholics to vote or hold public office. John Kennedy's bid for the presidency nearly foundered on the anti-Catholic vote. And even today, it is probably beyond the realm of possibility that Mitt Romney will ever win the Republican nomination for president -- simply because he's a Mormon. A man's religion is in his heart, and if his heart is pure, then both he and the religion he professes are as well. The Constitution protects all religions, not just those of the majority. That's something the opponents of the mosque have either forgotten or ignored. But it also protects all citizens who wish to peacefully express their opinion. That's something that Pelosi seems to have either forgotten, or chosen to ignore as well. She is compounding one Constitutional error with another -- and a more grievous one. Two wrongs, do not make a right, Mrs. Pelosi. Comments Showing most recent comments first [Show in chronological order instead] |
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......and don't listen to the lying "left" on this issue...........
"gun control" is NOT about guns.
It's about control.
Correct.
Also, (and THIS is something that many folks never think about)...........
Of all of our rights, the Second Amendment is the most vital............because WITHOUT it, there is no way to protect the REST of them.
C'mon folks,
Let's get back on track. Kelly Everitt was right on with this one.
There's a reason the 1st Amendment (change added) to the U.S. Constitution (Rules of Government) was first in line. It's the first step on a ladder that leads to citizenship as opposed to servitude. The next nine steps depend on the first rung of the ladder being firmly in place. In essence, we, as Americans, agree to disagree without ripping each other's throats out. We agree that free speech includes stupid, offensive and otherwise unsavory opinion. The laws of this nation are enforced under the category of "legal or illegal." "Right and wrong" are subjective, not legal.
Here's a question for ya Bazook...Why is the 2nd Amendment next in line on the ladder of "individual" rights?
Answer...In case the government fails to follow the first.
Okay, that's enuff from me...my thirty is MOA at 250 and I feel like a little single malt before going to bed.
Understand the "tired" I played all night last Friday, and for a little while again this morning.
During World War II, "Rosie the Riviter" was working in ALL Factories from Ford to Kaiser to Studebaker.
Of course, we were in a legitmate war, and this entire country was pretty much on the same page. The government wasn't taking over anything for the purposes of "bail-out"..........Roosevelt wanted the same thing every American on the street wanted.................to do whatever it took to get rid of Hitler and Hirohito, before they could destroy US.
THIS government doesn't see threats anymore, it welcomes everybody with open arms no matter HOW much some of these countries would like to see our demise. It takes retribution out on its own CITIZENS instead and one of our few remaining allies for defending ITSELF.......just like it has with Arizona.
Definitely so, about the taxes. I've had some scrapes with the Internal Robbing Service myself over the years, but I'd feel better if the guy heading the TREASURY was a little cleaner.
And why do you suppose the Federal Reserve has never been audited?
Along those lines, the IRS ITSELF failed its OWN audit by the GAO (Government Accounting Office in 1992.............they couldn't account for MILLIONS..............Did THEY have to pay it back? If so.............with WHOSE MONEY did they do it with? Anybody venture a guess?
I don't trust this government, and HAVEN'T.....for a lot of years before Obama. Always remember that the government..........past. present or future does not create prosperity. Before it "gives", it first must TAKE. And Lamont, it not only TAKES from us, but it GIVES a lot of money to things that you and I would NEVER freely donate to.
But it's OUR money they're doing it with, and we have a RIGHT to be upset about that.
Doesn't matter WHO's in charge..........Clinton, Bush, Obama, etc...........they aren't going into THEIR pockets to give millions away to foreign countries, benefits for illegals, NASA programs for Muslims, civilian trials for terrorists, etc...........
They're picking OUR pockets instead! Our tax dollars are for US...........Article I, Section VIII of our Constitution is very clear about that.
It's OUR money...........not THEIRS.
Same as with our troops, For OUR defense..........so this business of running "another Vietnam", while leaving our OWN borders unprotected and even SUING our own states, does not set well with me.
Doesn't set well with a lot of people.
65 days.
Marylin...........nobody really knows what's up with Beck. He educates, and what he says is pretty easily verified. He has well-learned guests on his show, as well as open-mic crowds of multi-opinioned folks off the streets...........but he also takes too many things in stride, which is why I've sort of gotten "luke warm" with his show.
He means well, and I know he wants what's best for this country, but he doesn't advocate doing it the way our founders did. No violence, no armed militias----------he is a Libertarian and figures we're just gonna "rationalize" with what is now the most corrupt government in American history.
Beck thinks we can USE the system to FIX the system..............it's like trying to "rationalize" with unruly little brats, when a few good swats in the butt, is what's actually needed to get their attention.
The only way we're going to straighten things out BECK'S way, is if ALL the American people wake up, actually SEE what's happening..........FORGET party and vote every one of these jackals OUT.
I don't see it happening, although I DO see a lot of seats changing hands in November, which is at least a START. These Congressmen need to be taught that "trust & respect" doesn't automatically come at the "swearing-in."
It has to be earned, and it's high time we put these "deal-makers" and "carpetbaggers" back out on the streets, and make them LIVE in the economy they're created.
hey there i have taken my shots...... its ok snide remarks and all.......part of the debate.... sometimes it gets hot.....anyhow taking over the car industry specifically gm.....during all of our wars of any lenght the car industry ( the only one left) builds our war fighting capabilty,,,,,planes ,tanks,etc and they are that infastructure.....your a soldier zook, you know that/////// ok so we saved and didnt create..... what would have happened if we lost those 1 million jobs that included the subcontractors etc .......anyhow you get my point...... you know you might not like it but we agree on alot.......our rational is just different....... oh taxes.....if you have ever owned a business you would know how hard it is to keep up with the taxe paperwork and that is not and exscuse......i dont know anyone who has major money who hasnt made a taxe mistake... me included ....you take care of it and move on.....there is a difference if there is criminal intent.....see ya tired had to play last night
What's up with Beck? He seems to be changing his tune ! Taking back some of his remarks about Obama
What's that all about?
The Rally in DC not political? My son who is in the NY Army Guard was there and he will soon be here for a visit. Maybe I can get some info out of him :)
PS to MsMarylin..........You've occasionally used the term "Repulicants"........which is fine, and is only RIGHT, since we sometimes like to use the term "Dumbocrats." That's cool, and fair.
But I got to thinking about that "can't" business.
With COMPLETE control and the Repubs basicaly having to sit on the sidelines, I find it interesting that this administration STILL "can't" get some of their agendas passed without bribes and arm-twisting among THEMSELVES.
There seems to be as much IN-HOUSE fighting and "family squabbles" as there would have been, if the Congress was BALANCED in membership.
There's been virtually nobody to stop you, and you guys still "CAN'T" seem to agree upon.....and get some of it done!
SOMEBODY needs to "organize that community", eh?
Save our country...........re-elect NO ONE!!
Gotta admit, he sure had a HUGE crowd in D.C. yesterday. Mainstream media gave it little coverage. I'm sure they were upset because there were NO incidents, racial slurs, or anything like that. That HAD to bother CNN!
FOX's token liberal Geraldo, had Al Sharpton on his show last night. Sharpton led a small march and rally too, and of course HE was upset that Beck didn't join him on beating the civil rights drum with him.
Beck's rally was what it has been from the onset--------kicking the bums out and taking this country back. To his credit, Beck did not allow himself to lose focus of that. He stands with Sharpton on civil rights, but didn't need to publicly expound on that yesterday-----------Sharpton was already doing that.
What Al Sharpton doesn't realize is that HIS "dreams" are going away too, if we don't all get together in November and start throwing the "Socialists" OUT of this Congress!
I talked to a guy at a Denny's while on my road trip, and what he told me, was something I TOO have thought about from time to time, although not lately..........
Obama has never been anything more than an elaborate TOOL for the DNC. All these "new" programs and tax agendas they've wanted for YEARS would never be possible without first having total control.
With America in near-chaos.........and George Bush screwing things up, the timing was PERFECT for a fresh new face that would have wild, magical appeal for a variety of reasons.
They already HAD the House and Senate.......if they could just get their hands on the OVAL OFFICE, they'd virtually have a BLANK CHECK before them.
When McCain was nominated to oppose him.........it was literally a "done deal."
Obama was "window dressing" and smooth enough to sell himself to an already frustrated America. His inexperience was a PLUS for the old leftwing crocks. If elected, Obama would be nearly FORCED to take the advice of the "old hands."
Without a sufficient number of Republican votes to oppose anything, and a "puppet" on top to sign whatever they came up with, they could pass whatever they wanted.........and if things went sour..........no sweat.......Obama would be the PRESIDENT and it would be HE, who would catch the heat for it.............as all presidents do with the media.
It's been a pretty slick promotion, if I DO say so myself.
I now wonder, if a lot of these "vacations and golf days", are by design.............to get him OUT of D.C. while they conjur up more crap for the American people.
Realistically folks.........all politicalities aside...........Barack Obama does NOT have the experience to run this country, and even a lot of the Dems know this now...........but the DNC NEEDED his face and personality to get in the front door.....so they could start shoving things through the BACK door.
I think,(as does that guy at Denny's) that maybe...........just maybe............Obama's been USED...........and, if he gets bounced out on 2012, "no biggie". He's expendable, and they got their socialist agendas into law.
His own party doesn't care what happens to HIM..........a bunch of them are already bailing out now, trying to distance themselves and save their OWN jobs, if they can.
The more I think about my conversation with that guy, the more sense it makes. Here was a young politician with only 143 days as a U.S. Senator, who gets pushed and promoted into the White House. His 129 "present" votes do NOT convince me that he HIMSELF is capable of coming up with all the garbage that has been......and is being.....unloaded upon us.
This gradual government take-over, STINKS of "old agenda."
But if that indeed WAS the "plan"........use his "persona" to get the White House, then let HIM take the "lumps" later........it didn't work.
Accountability will start taking place in 65 days. There have been some REPUBLICAN "sellouts" as well. No true conservative would have nominated the "Rino" John McCain.............which did nothing else but make it EASIER for Obama to win.
This entire Congress stinks, and every incumbent NEEDS to GO in November.
When you're spraying for cockroaches, you can't just try to save a few "good ones" You get rid of them ALL.............or they'll be back causing you trouble again.
MsMarylin,
Oh ok then my apologies... to a reader not familiar with your interpersonal relationship with Bazooka it sure read like an attack/insult. But very glad to hear not going to that level.
Bazooka I was in San Dog too my CC used to call me a civilian under naval training LOL right before he made us do pushups til someone puked :-) Dang I miss those days... Getting PAID to work out what a life.
P.S. I LIKE Beck he may be a sensationalist at times but he sure has stirred the pot and held people accountable for their behavior, even think twice before trying to bold face LIE to the people.
cantjustwatch
Listen it wasn't a personal attack, It was more or less a funny about the hearing aides as I in case you don't know am older then he is :)
The Beck remark came from the past when he used to toot his horn about Beck.
Calm yourself down a bit
It's ok were cool
Thanks, "Can't justwatch", but as a rule, I don't let personal attacks OR snide comments bother me.
I understand that people DO need to vent. You also have to understand that I started my military career in San Diego and I've had my share of the REAL "R.E. Ermly's" of this world.
I've had D.I.'s in my face calling me everything from a "maggot" to..............well, we won't go into that on a public blog!
Small change, buddy!
........And some REAL "change" comin' in 66 days.
lamont,
Is this the same GM that falsly claimed to have repaid the TARP loans only to be later called out for having used TARP funds to do it with.
Is THAT the kind of shady financial stuff your so proud of this regime for?
And the same congress you are referring to wasn't it controlled by the DEMOCRATS during that period?
Point being Bazooka has griped about BOTH parties and has been on here calling it like he sees it for some time, WITHOUT blindly following one party or the other like a SHEEP... Wish more on this web site would take that to heart.....
MsMarylin,
Is it really neccessary to make personal attacks and snide comments? I don't recall Bazooka disrespecting you that way on here...
Foreign terrorists are classifed the same as enemy combatants.
Enemy combatants are NOT entitled to ANY OTHER JUSTICE other that MILITARY TRIBUNAL.
PERIOD.
Means nothing, really, as this administration just steps around everything and does what it wants to ANYWAY.
.............for the next 66 days.......
No argument Lamont...........Bush did little in his 8 years, and for what is probably the 10th or 11th time.............I did NOT SUPPORT Bush.
The more I think about it, what's happening now really IS "BUSH'S FAULT"
If he had done his job, the voters wouldn't have been so desperate for change......ANY change......
No, I haven't kept a "vacation count" on everybody, but everytime we turn around, he's off SOMEPLACE-------this time at Martha's Vinyard. I just think that with everything going wrong right now, he ought to be at his desk a little more often, instead of out shooting hoops, playing golf, going to cocktail parties and campaigning for all these crooks trying to get re-elected in this country.
Jobs saved aren't jobs CREATED, and we're still losing more than we're gaining, and have the rising unemployment figures to back that up.
Remember also, that this government has now EXPANDED in size by about a third.........and GM is now Government-Owned, so they have a decided interest now in "paying-back" into their own plate.
What is needed, are more PRIVATE-SECTOR jobs........that will NOT materialize as long as they keep RAISING taxes on the ones who HIRE.
They know how to shuffle the numbers to try to make it look good. We'll know for sure in November if the charade has worked.
What I learned on this trip to D.C. does not paint the same picture some of you folks out there are seeing. More often than not, from Wyoming to Virginia, I heard folks saying either one or the other..............."Don't get me started"..............and..........."throw 'em ALL out!"
Speaking of D.C............sorry to disappoint you Marylin, but 40+ hours back there in that stinkhole was enough for ME! Beck can have that rally by himself. He isn't somebody I totally agree with anyway. I think he probably means well, but concedes too much to the nitwits back there to suit me. When you're THIS far down the drain, "comprimise" is the same as "concession."
I'm don't feel easy with O'Reilly anymore either.
Lamont............HOW...........HOW is taking over a car company a matter of NATIONAL SECURITY???
If these "Bozo's" were actually CONCERNED with National Security..............they'd HANG these terrorists and SEAL the border...........instead of suing one of their OWN STATES for trying to defend itself.
ALLIES.............you mentioned allies..........I have said PUBLICLY on many occasions that the only true ally we HAVE is Israel..........and it is WE who have now sided against them.
Israel (until now, anyway) is the ONLY country we could have called in the middle of the night for help, and they'd have BEEN there for us at the drop of a hat.
These "allies" we have now in the Mid-East took forever to decide amongst themselves if there was any interest in it for THEM.
I'm with YOU on this "ALLY" thing......most of them DO give lip service. When the U.N. needs something, it is always US who have to lead the way...and often shoulder the load ourselves, while everybody else sits back on their butts and criticizes us, while reaping any benefits there might be for THEM........and we CONTINUE to pay the lion's share of the U.N.'s operating costs, where 177 other countries vote against us 82% of the time.
One of the MANY reasons we need to get OUT of the U.N..........and EVICT the U.N. from our shores.
Where've ya been, Lamont?............have I NOT publicly advocated more than a FEW times........that we need to CLEAN HOUSE on BOTH sides? Get rid of EVERY INCUMBENT.
I don't stand unconditionally with the GOP. Not keeping BUSH in check-------then nominating the "RINO" McCain, has put us where we are right now.
I'm a hard right-winger.........and most of these boneheads who call themselves "Republicans" back there are NOT my idea of conservatives.
Idiots on BOTH sides of the aisle are trying to "appeal" to everybody..............(this is called "flip-flopping for votes.").
That's why I have never, and WILL NEVER, just walk into a booth and darken the circle everyplace I see an (R).
"YOUR" guy..............isn't always on "YOUR" side.
These are NOT the same caliber of Democrats and Republicans our families used to vote for religiously over the past several decades. More and more, we're seeing Senators and Congressman on BOTH SIDES, being investigated for fraud, embezzlement and a myriad of OTHER wrong-doings.
That's why you HAVE to check their VOTING RECORDS on the issues BEFORE you just walk in and vote like "grandma and grandpa" would have.
This is 2010............is these are NOT people of intergity "across the board."
"Senator Smith" and "Congressman Jones" are NOT looking out for Lamont and Bazookaman. They've got a gravy-train going on back there, and they are looking out for THEM...........THEIR pockets..........THEIR retirement packages (that THEY get after onlt ONE term)..............how'd YOU like to be able to do that, eh?
Please take notice that this MANDATED healthcare system they've passed, is "good enough" for us "peons"................but it ain't the plan THEY have!
If this is such a screamin' good idea...........why aren't THEY mandated to be on it? Are they who supposedly "work for US".........BETTER than we are? Are they?
The rules just apply to US and NOT to them?
Is that what it is now?
Just a quick, simple, parting question............just a small example.........food for thought............
If Lamont was caught CHEATING on his taxes, would the IRS be all over him?...........or would he be allowed to run the U.S. TREASURY?
Just ONE example. There are many.
McVeigh didn't kill 3,000 people and they wasted no time executing HIM!
Have any of you out there EVER thought about WHOSE side this government is ON?????
I don't think bazook has his hearing aids turned on...and he is probably at Becks rally in DC lol !
you know zook YOU only hear what you want.... so lets go from the top......to grant miranda as lt was done is in the constitution based on were the crime was committed......and were the person was arrested.....to suspend miranda is a slippery slope , who do we suspend it for next????....this administration did what it was sopposed to do constituioanly and all legal scholars have said so you should listen......to it all.....i guess you are saying that our republican congress never passed a bill at night or one that everyone didnt read etc .......I shall note that you are perfect......yes?????????....and i could argue that a republican president and congrees for 8 years did nothing about illegals so they could deprees wages....and have cheap labor that helped to fuel this recession.....but i dont see you looking at that possibilty....... yes we took over a car company........ill say it again a matter of NATIONAL SECURITY......it is a part of our war making machine....what part of that dont we understand...(ww2,korea,viet namm,iraq,check it out.........mandates may be wrong... but there are parts of the health care bill that is in the best intreset of the american people....so lets see what the court has to say...... i would not consider protocal in any way undermines our stature.....for me it shows strength.....it says i know who and what i am dont even think in anyway that i wont kick your butt......and we need to look at some so called allies that have sat on the sidelines through the years and provided lip service and very little else including intelligence.......i dont know how many vacations but im sure that they compare with other president i would ask.....did you count theres too ,or just this president,and if so why?????.....i can stand to be critcised but lets do it fairly and that seems to get lost in the dialogue.......and talk about make up the rules it would seem to me and the courts based on the rejection of good number of cases that the previous administration tried to take us in a diretion that you and i as american citzen could have been incacerated for no other reason than someone implied your crime.....without a formal charge being made......how scary is that????????but you see if you figure that would never happen to you it becomes ok.....that is the slippery slope..... it could happen to you depends on whose in the target zone and when.......think about that....i am not defending im saying there are two sides to every story.....and we should consider both .......oh by the way gm is making money and paying us back with intrest and we did make money.... on most of our deals how come we dont talk about the succeses?????? AND WE SAVED A HELL OF A LOT OF JOBS..........FOOD FOR THOUGHT......HAVE A GREAT DAY
It's too late to get upset NOW!!
Hey man...the Dems as as rule, from the late Ted Kennedy forward.............do NOT adhere to our Constitution, unless they can find bits and pieces of it that fit their agenda from time to time.
THIS Administration PARTICULARLY, has attacked the wrong people as they make up their own rules.
They grant MIRANDA rights to terrorists who BEHEAD people, yet hammer their own CIA for waterboarding.
They take the side of the illegals (because they want those votes later), and SUE one of their own states for doing the job the Feds will NOT!
They sneak massive unread bills under the door in the middle of the night for passage.
They've TAKEN OVER car companies and banks, and MANDATE FINES if we don't BUY into their Obamacare insurance schemes.
They bow to our enemies and ALIENATE our allies.
They continue to spend, spend, spend, and INCREASE the size of this government.
How many "vacations" have we paid for already?
Hey..............if Pelosi's actions bother you guys..........just remember what newspaper ENDORSED these pack of jackals during the campaign.
Brain not working to well, should have read Appeals which is nothing new. LOL
Privacy takes a hit with the 9th Court of Appeals with is nothing new. Guess the Feds will always get there way when it comes to watching over us all.
http://news.yahoo.com/s/time/08599201315...