Wow, could the timing of the Mark Foley scandal be any more perfect? I mean, while the news media is falling over themselves to cover yet another Washington sex scandal, no one will notice that the Republicans’ Detainee Bill has gutted habeas corpus. This little bill sets the American legal system back, oh 800 years or so.
So while we know all about Foley’s attraction to little boys, we hear little about our Republic crumbling around us. Our Dear Leader now has the right to lock up anyone he so chooses, indefinitely, with absolutely no legal recourse available to the victim. Isn’t that a little scarier?
What happened to the America I once knew? How is it that the freedoms we used to enjoy – those earned through two hundred thirty years of standing up to injustice – can be so easily dismissed, with not so much as a whimper from the populace? How is it the country I was proud to represent when I wore the uniform is so easily defeated – from the inside? America has turned into the Cold War foes it once faced down. Freedom vanishes with a stroke of a pen.
Every one of the cowards in Congress who allowed this to happen deserves to be handed walking papers next month. And if the door hits them on the way out, all the better. Its well past time to get this country back on track.
So, obviously, what needs to happen now is that Foley should be arrested, declared an enemy combatant (for corrupting our children!) and sent to Guantanamo while being denied Habeas Corpus.
–(tongue firmly in cheek!)
Sure, that would be a good start! 🙂
Are you more upset about what your chosen news outlets are feeding you or about what other people’s chosen news outlets are feeding them? In a world where we have so many media choices, the only way to change this is to help promote alternate news sources in which you believe.
I get my news and discussion of current events primarily from NPR. My sampling might be a little strange, since I listen during my commute and I commute during odd times (usually talk show time), but it’s valid for somebody’s perspective (mine). Over the recent week, I’ve heard the following:
– About 5 mins of coverage regarding the Mark Foley scandal.
– About 45 mins of discussion regarding the expected swing of congressional control from the repubricrats [sic] to the democraticans [sic]. It included discussion of the Mark Foley scandal, but only in terms of how it affected the overall balance and it was treated as only one of many contributing factors
– About 2 or 3 hours of passionate discussion about habeas corpus, balance between the three branches of government, who the players are, where it’s likely to go, etc.
This blog (markturner.net) is a pretty decent part of a news source portfolio, IMO. Not that you cover every story or break any new ones. I think you offer a good balance of opinions and questions, though. That is a great way to engage disucssion and discussion is the key to reengaging our populace in shaping our country. Keep it up and I hope you can draw more people into the discussion. I don’t know if you’re even interested in that, but if you are, here’s an idea: print business cards with your blog address on it and carry them around the globe with you. Undoubtedly, you meet interesting people on your travels. Maybe some of them would like to keep in touch?
Kind regards,
Justis
Actually, I’ve got a secret project I’m cooking up along these lines.
And NPR is the exception to the rule. NPR isn’t captive to advertising revenue, so it can afford to spend more time on issues.
I actually have broken some news stories here, surprisingly. Or at least been on the leading edge of a few. Its exciting to do that, but what I look for most is the discussion that grows up around news. You just don’t get that from the so-called mainstream media.