"We live in a different world."

[CornField]

When you listen to the news, this is the answer to everything: "We live in a different world today" or "The post-911 world is very different."

I'm here to challenge that statement. In particular, I want to know exactly how the world is different. I want to know why it is necessary now for me to trade more and more of my liberties in order for all of to be safe.

Are there more murderers walking the streets than there were 10 years ago? More child molesters? Are there more people crossing the border between the US and Mexico who wish to do more than take a low-paying job and send the money back to family?

I also want to know how a nation which spends 5 times more per year on defense and military than its closest competitor can fail to keep our border safe? Even with the cuts instituted under (gasp!) George H.W. Bush, our nation still managed to out-spend all other nations -- we spend more than *all* other nations combined! We spend more on defense and military than we do on *all* other programs combined. (Consider that for a moment... more than social security, welfare, education, and any other program you can think of combined.)

Yet, somehow, now that the system has failed (or stepped aside, if that is your viewpoint) I am to be punished. Me, lowly American civilian, must now hand over my liberty and freedom on a silver platter. Even as I'm spoon fed how we are bringing freedom and democracy to other parts of the world, my own freedom and democracy are being pulled from underneath my feet. Any sensible person, when faced with failure, understands to review the process and make alterations based on findings. This, however, is entirely too sensible for our government. Obviously, since the government agencies which gather intelligence didn't share with one other, the answer is to have MORE intelligence and to step all over the Constitution while getting it.

Let me boil it down for you: Our government believes it is not necessary, nor within the budget, to have our city's first-responders networked in case of an emergency. Our government believes it is not necessary, nor within the budget, to provide for our citizens who live in poverty. Instead, our government believes the best course of action is to spy on and attack its own citizens. Furthermore, our government (those people to whom you and I write a paycheck) believes it is above the law and it can do whatever it damn well pleases because this is "a different world."

Between you and me, this "different world" is a very scary place (and not because of outside threats).

[Dogmudgeon]

1. Handing over Liberty on a silver platter?

Better check your dinner service -- I did, and all I have left is a couple of paper plates.

The thieves had been there and gotten away clean.

--p!

[rodeodance]

2. because Bushco made a declarative statement of truth--that is why.

sarcasm alert.




.....I want to know why it is necessary now for me to trade more and more of my liberties in order for all of to be safe.

[WLKjr]

3. I woke up today the same way I did Sept. 11 2001, except

I am not at school. I was pissed off the Gore was not president still. And I never thought Bush would get another chance.

That's, that's about it.

[Heidi]

4. Kicked and nominated.

Thank you, CornField, was saying what I've been thinking for a long time. :pals:

[Heidi]

5. Kick.

:kick: