All candidates should be above all protecting our Civil Liberties [View All]

[shance]

Its what makes a Democracy a Democracy.

Since 9/11 most of us have been HIGHLY concerned with the assault on our Civil Liberties as John Ashcroft began to take things over in the guise of "National Security". Its not an illusion that those in power who dont happen to agree with us could potentially label anyone a terrorist who didnt believe in their convoluted ideology. Look at the situations that have proven this time after time in the past three years. Teachers and writers have been fired, Dixie Chicks, Susan and Tim Sarandon, Jeanne Garfalo, the Baseball Hall of Shame**, people that have been silenced for simply speaking the truth.

So, with a Patriot Act out there alive and well, what is reality and what is fiction? And the worst thing about this is WHAT AN INCREDIBLE WASTE of energy and creativity is spent having to consider these things. But that is how intimidators and bullies control others.

Even in my own life and certainly not being a big profile person, I have been worried, and wondered about the possibility of being spied upon, phone lines being tapped and or threatened in some way has certainly been a concern of mine during these past 3 years. We are all simply trying to do what we believe to be right and defend what is essential in maintaining those rights we must have to ensure any semblance of fairness in this country. Is that paranoid? Take a look at what has been going on in our nation, and I think you'll agree that NOT being somewhat paranoid is more dangerous than considering the reality going on around us, not to mention observing what many of the people in our government are doing.

I think the reality is we have to protect our Civil Liberties as if they are the Hope diamond. Because they are in fact when it comes to protecting our freedoms and when it comes to the true definition of liberty. The truth will be gone when Civil Liberties are allowed to be taken away by using the excuse of Homeland Security and or "Terrorism".

I don't know exactly what Governor Dean said yesterday, but I do think if there is any question as to his stance on Civil Liberties, we need to know and he needs to address it. That is why it is our responsibility to let our candidates and leaders know how important this issue is to PROTECT what is essential. Civil Liberties are ESSENTIAL - ESPECIALLY in a time of war and in a time where fear and confusion seem to be the overriding emotions dictating most Americans.