American Valor

An interesting discussion about Democracy with Michael Mandelbaum about his book Democracy’s Good Name on Charlie Rose – June 24, 2008.

He defines Democracy as needing 3 things:

1. Freedom – self determination, of movement, private property
2. Liberty – rule of law, representation, civil rights, minority rights
3. Social Safety Net – retirement, health care, police protection

He champions the concept that fair capitalism is the first step to building the necessary institutions for a democracy to take hold. Markets that are open and well regulated help build the skills necessary to make a democracy work.

On February 12, 2008 the 110th Congress showed the world just the type of people they are – Cowards. Cowards who hope that by allowing eavesdropping it will prove to people that they’re tough. Only cowards have to prove they’re tough. Cowards who are willing to give immunity to the telecommunications industry for their past illegal eavesdropping programs. Cowards who live in such a deep state of fear that they have voted to deny freedom and the protection of law to every man, woman and child living in the United States. They have forgotten that living in a free society comes with risks. They have forgotten the the people of the United States are far braver than they themselves are.

With their passage of the FISA bill they have failed in their duty. I call on them to reconsider this tragic failure. A failure that will join a sad list of similar congressional failures enacted by past fearful congresses. They are to be despised for pitied for living in fear.

These are their names:

Perhaps they should take another look at the oath they swore to the people of the United Staes.

I do solemnly swear (or affirm) that I will support and defend the Constitution of the United States against all enemies, foreign and domestic; that I will bear true faith and allegiance to the same; that I take this obligation freely, without any mental reservation or purpose of evasion; and that I will well and faithfully discharge the duties of the office on which I am about to enter: So help me God.

A fantastic episode of Frontline was aired this week. Cheney’s Law

Here’s a breakdown:

• 9/11 created a crisis that everyone wanted to respond to.
• Cheney argues that in order to “protect the country” the president had to be given complete unchecked power.
• Cheney found like minded executive power fundamentalists
• Cheney placed them throughout the beaurecracy to help him push it through.
• Justice department yes-men lawyers made up justifications for the power grab.
• They cowed people by saying, If you try to stop us “American Blood will be on your hands.”
• A president, who wanted to show everybody how tough he was, liked the idea.
• A Republican Congress agreed.
• The President of the United States is now above the law.
• The President of the United States is now able to choose, on his own, which laws he will follow.