Rense.com

Sly As A Fox In The Box

By James Neff
4-21-3

Normally one would never find me defending a left-wing liberal, especially one from the spoiled and vapid community of Hollyweird. For the most part I have very little sympathy for their oft televised trials, tribulations and brain-dead politics (ie, Rosie O'Donnell's 'I can have an armed body guard, but you can't have a gun'-ism). When Sean Penn visited Iraq I wanted to barf. I finally did when he appeared on Larry King to talk about his Iraq experiences and simply mumbled incoherently for an hour. I don't think it's possible to more despise a group of people so out of touch with reality as I do the West Coast 'Axis of Idiocy.' The Baldwins and Sheens and Madonnas don't represent American mainstream politics or morals and never will. The Michael Moores are nothing but blowhards who usually can't see the forest for the trees (and don't want to). And that's ok... if they weren't around to astound us with their utter rebellion against anything and everything middle-America holds dear, and their phenomenal acts of stupidity, we wouldn't have any entertainment; God knows they aren't making any decent films or television anymore!
 
Simultaneously, I abhor the right-wing Neocon (and not so neo Neocon!) flatheads like Fox's Bill O'Reilly and Sean Hannity. They are equally disassociated from reality, with equally inflated ego's as their "actor" counterparts in Hollyweird whom they love to prop up as icons of everything bad and evil in America, perpetually straw-manning the liberal left and knocking it down as though Cher or The Dixie Chicks were the spokespersons for democrats left of center. Their slant against the west coast entertainment elite is simply a tool of Republican conservative polarization technique and nothing more. And the saddest thing is... it's working.
 
But Tim Robbins and Susan Sarandon represent something altogether different in this battle over the issues of this war, this administration and Constitutionally-protected free speech. With them comes the true battleground and everyone should take notice. Neither of them are given to excess hyperbole or ad homonym attacks against those who differ with them politically (save what they have to say against those presently in power, which is fair game); they're vocal, but not ridiculously verbose or acidic. What has transpired recently has not quite sunk in for most Americans. This isn't a left vs. right issue, though the right (and yes, indeed, many leftists) want it to be in order to further polarize the citizenry. No, this is an issue of conscience, of respect for our Constitutional republic, dying though it may be before our very eyes. It would be wrong to toss Robbins or Sarandon onto the heap of Hollywood politi-hogs who use the media and world events to keep their name in lights, or who simply prattle off about issues during fits of manic depression like O'Donnell, only to apologize for it and its impact on the Oprah-ized sheeple later.
 
What we are seeing daily on Fox television is nothing short of state-run television, there is nothing "fair or balanced" about it. Viewpoints counter to this administration and the war are treated with utter disdain across the 24 hour live news splatter. That's NOT Journalism! The 'embedded' reporting of the war has sucked them into a foxhole where there can be no other view but down the barrel of a rifle at the "enemy" this administration invented by way of twisting facts, evidence, minds and hearts after 911. That puts people who oppose the war and/or oppose this administration because of the war in a "pro-Saddam" camp, which many of the political pundits on Fox willfully misconstrue as often as possible, like a mantra or hypnotic suggestion, furthering the polarization of people against one another over an issue which truly has nothing to do with republicans vs. democrats, liberals vs. conservatives. One either respects constitutionally protected free speech and the right to dissent, or one does not. Only one of these can be an "enemy of the state" and the constitution.
 
One Fox news anchor muttered, "They're going in to do the Lord's work," as Coalition forces rolled into Basra. Under normal circumstances, heads would have rolled over that one. But nothing happened.
 
Anti-war protesters and pro-peace activists have been referred to as 'freaks.' It is becoming commonplace for Bill O'Reilly and Sean Hannity to cut off the mics of guests who don't capitulate to their "America, love it or leave it" Archie Bunkerisms on programs where debate and free exchange are supposed to be exampled. One O'Reilly guest was a relative of a 911 victim, but only moments into a discussion with him, O'Reilly flew into a rage, cut the guy's mic off and tossed him off his show, screaming at him to "Shut up! Shut up!". Why? He dared to be someone close to 911 who wasn't using it to muzzle-pack psychological ammo against Iraq. As soon as the man was asked for his opinion, his opinion was terminated in rude and outrageous fits of anger. O'Reilly acted as if it was utterly impossible for someone to be that close to the 911 tragedy and yet not be brainwashed by 911 fever into believing the party-line of Doublespeak: 911 + Osama + Terrorism = Saddam x Iraq = War. Simply unthinkable to oppose such 2+2=5 logic.
 
NBC is showing signs of buckling to the same strange pressure, as demonstrated by the unfathomable censoring of Robbins on The Today Show. In a generally liberal controlled media, one has to wonder how this happens. But there's the rub -- this issue has transcended the common left/right line we've grown so accustom to and it is not being recognized as a paramount issue of common liberties in the balance. We're seeing a rebirth of McCarthyism, only this time its pulpit isn't the Congress, but the idiot box, and the end result is still blacklisting and the silencing of voices of dissent popularized as the "American way." It's patriotic to label those who oppose the war and this administration as "un-American." I don't know how many times Fox anchors and pundits have noted that peace rallies were backed or organized by 'communist groups' (with the bubble-headed bleach blonde anchors bobbing their heads up and down, wide-eyed, as though someone had skulked out the very devil himself in that bit of news. Lions and Tigers and Bears, oh my! ), that people in the peace movement are all radical "leftists" (those strange people who are pro-peace, heaven forbid!) and those who oppose the Bush strategy commonly characterized as "liberals" as though the word meant "monster." Let's face it -- if you oppose the war, you oppose Bush, and if you oppose Bush you oppose America. That's what the media, by and large, and this administration have generated in this country. You're a filthy liberal, an un/anti-American commie and must therefore be pro-Saddam, either openly or secretly. You need to be watched. There's something WRONG with you. It means you WANT to see the Iraqi people suffer under a brutal dictatorship and WANT to see weapons of mass destruction get into the hands of terrorists headed for America.
 
Pat Buchanan is an un-American, leftist, commie liberal???? The Pope WANTS people in Iraq to suffer under Saddam's regime? Truly, the world has turned upside down and inside out overnight. At least on Fox.
 
Fox would have us believe that it all breaks down over a simple, partisan political principle, left vs. right, socialists vs. capitalists, demos vs. repubs... the same old tired nonsense we've had spoon fed to us by media for ages. It's simply nonsense.
 
Anti-American? What does that mean, exactly?
 
When Sen. Joseph McCarthy used such words, it was to trample down any voices of dissent to a view of America personally manufactured by himself -- one which openly-violated the Constitutionally protected free speech and free press, creating a "black list," with congressional powers so intimidating that -- though unofficial -- few of those placed on the black list could find work, as employers feared being called forward themselves and having their patriotism placed in question before the public, which alone was enough to ruin many lives and many careers. It's happening again. It's happening now.
 
There is a simple definition for this kind of brute mentality and unconstitutional abuse of power and mind control -- FASCISM.
 
Americans, like Joseph McCarthy, are perfectly willing to ignore the Constitutional Republic upon which this nation is founded and seek to persecute those who will not bow down to their special 'king'... not merely an elected president anymore, but by sheer magnitude of persuasion they tacitly are admitting that GWB is king of America, or is America itself as if by some divine spectacular he has been imbued with all the facets of Truth, Justice and the American Way. By the very suggestion that opposing the war and questioning the administration and keeping the public mindful of our own national disgraces and atrocities, inhumanities and violations of both moral and international law, many are called "un/anti-American." Thus, those making the charge are admitting that we no longer operate under a Constitution of set and protected liberties; rather, that we are under mob rule, that the two (or more) party system is defunct and we have a fascist dictatorship to which everyone MUST profess allegiance or suffer the consequences. Therefore all who make such charges have willfully and willingly sold their constitutional liberties away and exchanged them for a fascist nationalism.
 
This administration has utterly raped our Constitution in the name of 'homeland defense.' While they have the nation all rattled about terrorists with color-coded warnings right out of some bad sci-fi book, they took your Constitution and burned it. Many don't realize the gravity of this fact. Under the current laws, you have no Constitutional rights whatsoever if the federal government decides to classify you as part of the terrorist threat; and the FBI's official list of groups and people considered to be "likely" to fall into this category even include Christians who believe in the End Times and "lone individuals." Pretty broad-brushed! When the government decided it did not want to have to obey Geneva Convention rules, it changed the definition of a POW so it could deliberately violate those rules, calling the POWS from Afghanistan "unlawful combatants"! If another nation did this, they'd be swiftly labeled "evil." Meanwhile the administration rails against other nations holding POWS and their violating Geneva Convention rules. Is this American justice?
 
Constitutionally-protected dissent and free press/free speech are the hallmark of what makes this country great and unique. It is the heart and core of the REAL America. Yet, certain people have decided they and they alone are truly patriotic Americans and all who dissent are "commies" or "enemies" of the state, in direct violation of everything our Constitution stands for and protects.
 
We have an obligation to speak up, speak out and keep things on an even footing while Americans are being drowned in propaganda and a nationalism bordering on fascism and self-righteousness; gross self-interest at the expense of nearly every other nation on earth that doesn't "toe the line" according to our dictates, empowered and backed first by financial blackmail and then by military might. This isn't anti-American rhetoric. This is a Pro-Constitutional morality-check in the midst of serious emotional and intellectual manipulation of the masses. Especially during this time of unbridled 'nationalism' and patriotic fervor, those of sound mind MUST level the playing field. How would you like it if fundamentalist Muslims worldwide, who believe they are morally superior to us in the west (we're infidels and sinners as they see it) decided they'd invade America and right all our wrongs?? What if they invaded and decided to end racism, set free OUR political prisoners, close our bars and distilleries, shut down the porn industry and impose THEIR concept of "right society" upon US?
 
Do we have the MORAL upper hand simply because we allow personal excess, breed poverty and injustice like Kudzu and encourage a system that lets the rich get richer and the poor poorer? Where is the moral upper hand here?? It's a sick, sad illusion passed off on the sheeple by keeping us convinced that if we have personal excess and Playstation 2 it is the mark of true freedom. That excess has a price, and the price is paid by the third world where most of our corporations set up shop for slave labor as we consume more than 70% of the world's resources - while comprising less than 5% of the world's population.
 
Saddam slaughtered approximately a quarter million people in 20 years. That's according to Red Cross, Amnesty International and UN figures. Many question the numbers, but let's say its true. Be it 100 or 100,000, it's heartbreaking and sick, we would all agree. But, do you know how many people WE slaughtered in the last 20 years...? by abortion on demand... by knowingly sending faulty parts, outdated chemicals and medicines or contaminated food to third world counties? I bet those Afghanis really liked the way we made our day-glow care packets the same size, shape and color as our unexploded cluster bombs... 30% of which never detonate, until some poor, hungry Afghani kid walks up and grabs it thinking its food from America. How many were killed in India when the Union Carbide plant exploded due to rank negligence? The death toll continues to climb there. Seems we have the nasty habit of killing in the long term, with horrifying, lingering effects. How many are dying right now due to Depleted Uranium used in our shell casings and missiles in Iraq? How many people died during the Iran-Contra debacle? How many in Panama, Nicaragua and El Salvador because our gov't wanted to establish its own turf in the international drug cartel? How many died when we sent AIDS laden serums for vaccinations to Africa 10 years ago and super-boosted the pandemic there? What's the projected death rate? 5-6 million? We're outdoing Hitler, now, with those numbers. The list goes on and on. The difference is, we just don't usually kill our own people in blatant, obvious ways...we seem to save that for special occasions like Ruby Ridge and Waco. So, what's the difference? NONE. Killing and slaughtering people is killing and slaughtering people. Atrocities are atrocities. We have our fair share and the news likes to keep people in denial about it. To dare to suggest we do not have the moral upper hand is presently verboten.
 
Neil Cavuto of Fox recently uttered a few truthful syllables, though he decimated the issue entirely. "Pay back is a bitch..." he said, commenting on the left wing Hollywood elite being shut out for their opinions (namely, Robbins/Sarandon). Yes, there was a trace of truth in what he said. For many, many years people of conservative values and convictions in Hollyweird have been quietly blackballed, blacklisted, shut out, shut down, co-opted, disenfranchised, silenced and demeaned by the predominantly liberal culture of the West Coast entertainment industry. For more than 20 years prime time television has been utterly in the hands of liberal writers and producers to the point that even the most lame-brained sit-com is used continually as a soap box for liberal viewpoints, while conservatives, Christians and middle-America is portrayed as backward, idiotic or even dangerously insane. Cavuto had a point. But the fact that he would choose the Tim Robbins affair to make this point is precisely why Fox television is a disturbingly twisted right-wing mutation and propaganda machine. Robbins was slandered; his patriotism and moral character were subjected to scrutiny by people who aren't worthy to tie his shoes. Even his family was attacked by the press. He was slandered, clearly, and that is a far cry from mere political fist-to-cuffs where two parties agree to disagree and life goes on. His right to free speech and constitutionally protected dissent is what is up for grabs here; not just his, but yours and mine.
 
First it's Tim and his views... then it's you and your views. First it's 'Catcher in the Rye', next it's the Bible being chucked out of the school library. If we don't protect our Constitutional liberties, and fight for them, they will be quickly swept out from under us without a single Ruby Ridge-like shot being fired. The battlefield for our freedom doesn't lie on the dusty plains of ancient Babylon hunting for weapons of mass destruction, dripping with the blood of both American soldiers and innocent Iraqi "collateral damage"... it's right here, right now, whether you stand up against tyranny with all politics aside, or you don't. Stand up against it even if the person being wronged is someone with whom you vehemently disagree. For their rights and your rights are manifest from the same, wonderful, awe-inspiring Constitution. It serves us all. There is a fight for freedom which does not involve bullets and bloodshed. The powers that be want desperately to convince us that the thing we must fear the most is foreign terrorism, when in reality the greatest threat to our liberty is running the whole show. And running the Constitution into an early grave.
 
This is one conservative Christian who will not have the wool pulled over his eyes by political game players while our liberties are being raped.
 
 
Comment
 
From Jim Mortellaro
Jsmortell@aol.com
4-22-3
 
The first time ever I've read something anti-right which appears right to this right wing Republican. Thanks, James Neff. Yet again, and only on Rense, the absolute truth.
 
I am a Republican. Proud? Nope. See, the party I wish to enjoin is the Constitutional Republican Party. However, such does not yet exist. Democrats, Liberals, Right Wingers, Republicans ... and the rest, all have something in common. That would be their own agenda. Oft times, their own agenda is not in consort with either reality or the reality of what is correct for AMERICANS. The only reason I am a Republican is they are closest (and yet sooo far away) from my beloved Constitution.
 
I am a Patriot. I believe in our Constitution. This country was founded on this wonderful document. Friends of mine who are not Republican cannot fathom my position. Note please, that I used the word "correct," not right and I used the word "position" and not my "politics."
 
Right is not right. Left is not either. And politics is almost never right or correct.
 
I've served as an auxiliary police officer and have volunteered my time to give back. I give to a man who stood in the way of a bullet, took that round and likely saved my life. I give back to a man who was shot in the head because ... because I hesitated shooting first. Something I will NEVER forget. I'll go to my grave remembering. And whenever I am called, I go. I truly believe I could not do otherwise. That man died in my arms. I did too. I died then and their. I don't want that ever to happen again.
 
I retired a year ago. But when this war happened, when terrorism became something so real it shocks even me, I've been called often. I go often. I try hard to pull the safest duty. Sitting in a car shooting nothing more dangerous than a radar transceiver. But I occasionally get stuck with something more dangerous. In the past year, I've been in harm's way one too many times.
 
I had to write that because I want ALL of you to understand where I do. Stand, that is. I stand for moral integrity. My father will turn 91 if God grants him that grace, this coming August. He is a man of honor. I could never fill his shoes. He is my role model. If I could now do so, I'd be the kind of man he is. And be a lot more satisfied with my 60 years.
 
But I cannot.
 
James Neff is correct. FOX news in connected to the umbilical cord which is connected to a place I would not go, let alone honor. But you know, who the hell IS properly connected? Which news service presents the unbiased, unvarnished truth? If you know of one, please call me collect.
 
Or email me.
 
Today I had the pleasure of meeting some interesting people. Everyday Americans who are doing their jobs. One was a contractor who fixed my garage door. The other his assistant. Another I met in a book store I frequent. All of them and so many Americans I know or have met, tell me the same thing. They complain over what is happening to America today.
 
Here, let me give you an example. I was watching the completion of the job on my garage door. I offered the man a cigarette. He took one. He lives in New York City, he said. I told him it wasn't worth buying butts in the City (as we call it in these here parts) because they are selling for SEVEN DOLLARS a pack. I told him that I buy mine on an Indian Reservation Web site and that our Governor, Pataki, is writing law which will preclude my being able to buy them there. "Buy them here and pay our taxes"
 
Wrong! Even if I hafta grow my own tabacky!
 
Anyway, the man told me that in the City, you can no longer access the subway system without a special pass. He went on to say, "Pretty soon they will be imbedding chips in us and they'll know where we are, when we are there and everything they wanna know about us!"
 
I concurred. It's happening NOW. I then said, "Hey, why izzit that the average man, like you, is not much more active and vociferous AGAINST this abuse of personal liberties?"
 
His answer was precious. Precious and prescient. He said, "Because when I do that, my business goes to hell!" 
 
"How, why ... ?" I asked.
 
He answered that he doesn't have to go out of business to understand what will happen to him if he became a voice in the City. He would not go further. But I did check out his pistol permit when I saw his Sig Sauer 9mm compact hanging from his shoulder and got REAL nervous. In fact, I placed my hand on the butt of my own Sig Sauer. A .380 auto. I suppose he saw that and got very freightened.
 
He showed me. I was wearing my gold "inspector's" shield. I had to ask. As you can well imagine. It was in order. But he looked at me and asked me if this was at test. After directing him to the Jeff Rense site and suggesting that someone like me, who has posted so many pieces against gun control as it is wielded (like a damned club) would not be testing him.
 
I gave him my card. He called me tonight. He visited the site. He was relieved. RELIEVED! The man honestly thought I was out to pull his permit, get him thrown out of his rent control apartment or worse, put him out of business. All he needed.
 
I thought about NAZI Germany. About all the places in this world where you cannot be free. And soon, the only difference between US and them will be that in those other places, you KNOW you are not free and likely as not ... never EVER be free. We are either lemmings or we just go along with the dimbulbs we chose to represent us.
 
Either way ... we lose.
 
Seems to me a whole lot more people should be making a whole lot more noise out there ... or we are finished. Now I live in the North country. No one around me except plenty of protein, just in case ... and soon, a solar roof with a wind turbine to back it up and a large place to grow veggies. In the meantime .. I got me a lotta canned food.
 
From my cold, dead hands. I swear it. (Sorry Lord ... I tried hard not to swear! Honest!)
 
 
Jim Mortellaro
 
Alien Views LIST and Alien Views II THE RADIO SHOW
OUR LINKS ----
Splash page: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/AlienViews/
Radio Show & Splash Page: http://www.alienview.net/alienviews.htm
Photo Album: http://www.alienview.net/AVAlbum.htm
Radio Show Archives: http://www.alienview.net/archiev.html
 
 
 
Comment
From: "Abel & Judy"
4-22-03
 
May the Father in Heaven Bless You and your Family. Finally another Christian seeing through the phony anti-christ loving fools who will bring in the final chapter for themselves thinking they are going to do us in. God told Moses to proclaim Liberty to the captives and by God your article will do just that to those who will read it with an open heart and mind. Praying for you and Rense...Jedi
 
 
Comment
 
From Kay Johnson
4-22-3
 
Hello Jeff,
I have been reading your site for a long time and I applaud your work. I wanted to make a comment on James Neff's article "Sly As A Fox in the Box" and sort of related to the article on Victimhood.
 
I can't figure out why we haven't heard a group calling for boycott - this is one of our most powerful means of exercising our power as Americans and as humans. Just look at what happens to the economy when people stop going out to spend money. I think we need to call for a nationwide boycott of Fox News (or any network news for that matter) on a particular day (or even week) and see if we can't send a message that way. If we could get a large enough group of people to not buy the paper for a day or watch the network news for a day - like I do every day anyway - I think we could make a statement together. What would really be great is if Tim Robbins or Susan Sarandon would be a part of it.
 
Anyway, keep up the great work.
We need you and more like you,
 
Kay
 
 
Comment
From: H5941
4-22-03
 
James,
 
The problem with informational news is that it is free speech for those who agree with the lefties, commies, and anti-america groups. But if anyone reports favorably about Bush, freedom, and so on, it's neo this or that.  Get over it.  Truth is what is left over after all the dead leaves fall off the tree.  If it can't be verified, it's not truth. Hey ! what about CNN...?  Why are you not persecuting them.....?  Because you agree with them. But you don't agree with Fox, right?  Your leaves are turning color and falling off.
Rense site viewer

On the contrary, H5941... CNN has done a lousy job. It's not that I don't "agree" with FOX and "do" agree with CNN... it's that FOX has repeatedly demonstrated (and is presently the #1 rated news channel) the inability to dispense the news "fair and balanced" as they claim. I certainly don't expect CNN, ABC, CBS, etc to do that either! They never have. But they don't make the claims FOX does and they aren't #1 either. That #1 status carries a lot of influence. And must suggest that I'd rather see news jaded on the side which perpetually questions the government than the rank, revolting "servicing" (I'd rather use another term, but...) of the status quo and current administration we've seen on FOX. It's almost as bad as the kid gloves most media treated Bill Clinton with until they just couldn't anymore. Reporting "favorably" about Bush doesn't bother me in the slightest, if he deserves it. So far, nada. Zilch. The "favorable" attention given to Bush is feel-good propaganda served up by a media which views itself as part of the social engineering paradigm. And we don't need more crap. And since when is taking a news network to task "persecution"??? What I see is a persecution of the truth, generally, across the board in media. FOX just happens to be the most revolting and represents far more than the others a disrespect for constitutionally protected free speech and dissent. -- Neff

Comment
From: Geri Kohler
4-22-03

Hi James,
 
I really enjoyed your article, Sly As A Fox In The Box.  Well done and well written, nice to hear a conservative voice, and I know you're not alone!
 
However, I have a complaint that I must address.  It is your use of a serious mental illness to characterize someone.  I can't stand O'Donnell personally, so it's not the person at all.  Mental illness is one thing in our society that it still seems is okay to belittle.  The stigma that sufferers experience in their personal lives is bad enough, but the stigma is expressed in employment, insurance, etc. as well.
 
Here is the usage I find questionable:
 
It would be wrong to toss Robbins or Serandon onto the heap of Hollywood politi-hogs who use the media and world events to keep their name in lights, or who simply prattle off about issues during fits of manic depression like O'Donnell, only to apologize for it and its impact on the Oprah-ized sheeple later.
 
For all I know, Rosie could be manic depressive.  Does it make it okay to characterize her behavior that way?  I don't think so.  In fact, it is irrelevant whether she is or not.  Please see the links I have provided below.
 
My email is intended for the purpose of awareness of this issue, which is very important to me.  Your consideration is appreciated.
 
Further information:
 
NAMI - National Alliance for the Mentally Ill
http://www.nami.org/helpline/factsandfigures.html
 
US DHHS National Mental Health Information Center
Anti-Stigma: Do You Know the Facts?
http://www.mentalhealth.org/publications/allpubs/OEL99-0004/default.asp
 
Thank you for your time,
 
Geri Kohler
NAMI StigmaBuster

Geri -- I did not mean to 'belittle' her at all. Rosie appeared on the O'Reilly show on FOX and there admitted that she suffers from manic depression and shoots her mouth off because of it quite too often and even apologized for it, noting that many people -- much to her disdain -- hinge their lives and attitudes on "celebrity" opinions. Her interview was quite revealing and she disarmed O'Reilly beautifully with her unbridled honesty. I gained a lot of respect for her that day, though her politics leave much to be desired. If she realizes that it's important to watch what she says, knowing her state of mind can often be confused and strained, we all the more should remind people that the celebrity political faction is certainly nothing to look up to, emulate or prize. Barbara Streisand, likewise, suffers from manic depression and anxiety (admittedly) -- these conditions do flavor and effect their personalities and opinions. I agree, it is wrong to belittle or stigmatize people with a disorder. I think it is entirely relevant because of her incredible appeal to the public via her celebrity, and even she thinks so.

I appreciate your cause and support your efforts 100%. -- Neff
 

Comment
 
From Frank Warren
4-24-3
 
Good Day James,
 
I just read your "Sly As a Fox" article, and was very impressed with your observations. (As I am your artwork). Fox's shining star Bill O'Reilly said recently," the most powerful weapon in the world is the U.S. Military machine." I sent him an e-mail and respectfully disagreed. The most powerful weapon in the world is the American media! The most powerful people in the world are those that "manipulate it."
 
In the old days any "slant" that was reported by a "so-called news station" was only "legible" by it's subject matter. If an opinion was offered, it generally was saved in a "commentary" at the end of the program and was labeled as such. Today's "ratings oriented news programs" spend the bulk of their time telling people what is "appropriate behavior," and take the remainder of that time to slam their competitors who don't do the same. "There is" a word for "a few instructing the masses in how to think and behave."
 
Today more then ever do I see the infinite wisdom that our forefathers used in separating the "powers that declare war" from those that "wage war." Of course when our elected officials don't follow the laws of the land, our sacred document, "The Constitution of The United States of America," that countless Americans have fought and died for, it brings to mind what you wrote in your article;
 
"One either respects constitutionally protected free speech and the right to dissent, or one does not. Only one of these can be an "enemy of the state" and the constitution."
 
Forgetting all the "labels," Democrat, Republican, liberal or conservative, the very fiber of what this country is, and stands for is written in our Constitution. The simplicity in your thought, i.e., "you either respect the Constitution and the "rights" guaranteed us therein or you don't--only one of these can be an 'enemy of the state' and the Constitution," really stood out like a neon sign for me.
 
Finally, the most abominable thing happening today is not that our "unelected leaders" our not adhering to the Constitution, it's the fact that it is happening right in front of everyone's eyes, and no one seems to care.
 
Cheers,
Frank Warren
 

Comment
Edward Lopez
nyceddie@webtv.net
4-25-03
 
Your christian rant puts you in the same category as Bill O'Reilly.  He is totally obnoxious but you are close behind.  You bitch and moan but you are as guilty as O'Reilly and being too religious clouds your thinking.  Bibles don't belong in public libraries.  Women have the right to do whatever they want with their bodies.  Don't throw glass at stone houses.
 
And, I'll bet you won't have the balls to include my comments alongside those of your fellow christians who praised your over-long-I'm-better-than-Bill-O'Reilly rant, "Rev." Neff.
 
Edward Lopez


Oh yes, I DO have the balls for it, Mr. Lopez, because comments like yours are vital to demonstrate just what kind of intolerance and hatred many Constitutionally minded Americans are up against. Bibles don't belong in public libraries?!?! You're clearly an enemy of the Constitutional republic, then, my friend. Yes, women have every right to do what they want with their bodies -- the question is, do they have the right to do whatever they want with someone ELSES body, ie, a baby? I believe the philosophical and moral jury is still out on that one, thank you kindly. Meanwhile, it's legal to kill the unborn. Not much I can do about that but voice my dissent (the subject of the article, which you missed, being blinded by the word "Christian"). Whose thinking is clouded there??

I think it's interesting that I mentioned being a Christian exactly once, and you choose to characterize the entire article as a "christian rant." Your hatred for Christianity and intolerance is evident. But you have every right to it. - Neff
 


Comment
Bryan
4-23
 
I read the article and some of the comments from other people who have emailed their opinions, It seems to me here in Australia, that the most obvious problem the united states has is one that james neffs along with all the email replies has overlooked, is the simple fact the usa does Not have compulsory voting in your elections, now before you all start squarking about Communism and your individual rights, bear with me, here in Australia we value individual Freedom as much as you do in the states, there again most of your country would not have a Clue about Australia and its form of federal government, you see in Australia g.w.bush and His cronies (cheney, rumsfeld, ect) would have no chance of assuming power in Australia, If they were citizens of my country, ( because of compulsory voting, over 90 % of this country VOTES!,) what was the figure for the u.s.a. at your last election? Less than 50% ? or am I Being generous!, we here in Australia were dumbfounded when we saw how bush won florida, if that was attempted here in Australia they would all be in prison!, This is the basic reason why you are all lamenting your loss of freedoms and rights, THE MAJORITY OF US CITIZENS WERE TO LAZY TO GET OF THEIR ARSES AND VOTE!, you get what you sow,
 
Re fox news bias, (being a mouthpiece of the government line) if on air journalists behaved like That in Australia, they would be sacked !, Please remember that fox broadcasting is reflecting the opinion of one Rupert murdoch, a man Who while pretending to be one of the boys is in fact a ruthless tyrant, Rupert has become a Legend in his own mind, rather like the late Robert Maxwell, Rupert has tried for years to Influence elections in his own country of birth, (yes he is an Australian) as well as a us citizen, Australians vote according to the hip pocket nerve, not on overblown rhetoric about the Greatness of being an Australian , we do not have to be told every five minutes how great Australia is, we know we live in the best country in the world, much like America used to be, In summation, I feel for my cousins in the usa, take my advise, if you are not into baseball And gridiron, think about emigrating down under, we need more quality people, but please Remember you have to vote! Its compulsory,
 
Regards
bryan catmull
Melbourne , australia

Bryan - alot of people here don't feel their votes matters much... look what happened with Bush. He was not elected. He was appointed by the Supreme Court despite the elections. I think one would have to be pretty dim not to recognize that the final vote problem took place in a state where Bush's brother was Governor. This election was bought and paid for, and it has not been the first! - Neff

 

 

Comment
Daniel Schmidt
5-3-03
 
Hi James,
 
    Thanks for a great article/commentary. I was recently telling an associate about some of the things I've read on the site concerning our violations of the Geneva conventions and other war crimes. His reply to me was, "How come we're always the bad guys?".  I have since figured out parts of the answer, and it's because of the media's bias, and their refusal to report the truth. We always claim the 'moral high ground', which makes us look like even bigger hypocrits when something immoral or illegal is done in our names. And then there's the attitude that America can do no wrong. In some people's minds, that gives the government the go ahead to do anything they want, because if they want to do it, it must not be wrong.
 
    I would also like to say to Jim Mortellaro that I agree with all he said except for one point. I think the Libertarian Party philosophy is much closer to the Constitution than any other.
 
   And finally, about voting, a character in a Robert Heinlein novel said it best. I can't remember the exact quote but here's a paraphrase. Never pass up a chance to vote. There may not be anyone or anything that you want to vote for, but there will always be something that you want to vote against.
 
Danny Schmidt


Precisely! American values have become so grossly self-righteous that it's ridiculous. The other morning I was watching "Fox and Friends" and the female anchor person was appauled at the mere suggestion that marines would take any of the money found in Iraqi banks and other stashes Saddam had made. "Listen, those are OUR marines, they know right from wrong and would NEVER do that!" She insisted. What does she think a Marine is, a freakin' boyscout?? It wasn't 12 hours later that the Pentagon reported that troops did indeed loot quite a lot of cash and were being forced to return it. It's that kind of brain-dead naiveté that makes us look like complete idiots to the rest of the world. And the excuse of "democratizing" the world is getting a little thin and worn out. We have enough problems of our own in this country with injustice before we go righting the wrongs of other nations. Though I'm happy to see a dictator deposed, especially one as sadistic as Saddam, I firmly believe the whole thing could have been accomplished with a special forces team with no civilian casualties, and not nearly the entire US Armed military machine thrown over across the other side of the planet. The cost of this "liberation" will be impacting our economy for decades to come, and we don't even know yet what other brilliant "reformations" the Bush administration has in mind for neighboring countries, especially now that the almost total lack of armed resistance in Iraq has convinced so many that we're the unstoppable, invincible super-army capable of anything. Like the old saying goes "Right now your government is doing things you think only other governments would do." - Neff


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