Emperor's Rants and Observations

For those of us that haven’t already voted, we have a clear and fundamental choice to make on November 2, 2010 when we step into the voting booth.

Do we want a country that turns it’s back on the elderly, disabled, sick, poor, unemployed and our Veterans?

Do we want a country where the top 2% of Americans have record increases in their wealth while the middle class disappears and the poor are getting poorer?

Do we want a country where we give tax incentives for American companies to outsource jobs?

Do we want a country led by people who are more concerned about winning the 2012 election than they are concerned about fixing what’s wrong with our country today?

Do we want a country that is governed by hate, fear, anger, distrust and intolerance of others based on race, color, religion, sex, national origin and/or sexual orientation?

Do we want a country where groups fight against one another over slices of an ever decreasing economic pie?

Do we want a country with leaders that would turn back civil rights and dodge questions from the media?

Do we want a country that believes deficit spending is ok to fight wars but not ok to help our own?

Do we want a country where our government protects and defends multi-national corporations despoiling our air and water? Even going so far as to apologize to them when we try to hold them responsible?

Do we want a country that believes health care should be rationed to those that can afford it?

Do we want a country that would make children born in the US criminals?

Do we want a country that would require everyone to carry and present papers on demand of law enforcement officers to prove our legal right be here?

Do we want a country where financial institutions can act with impunity, gambling with other peoples money?

Do we want a country where unlimited amounts of corporate and foreign money flow into elections undisclosed?

Do we want a country that won’t invest in education?

Do we want a country that won’t provide funding for teachers, police and fire fighters.

Do we want a country that legislation is held hostage by minority representation for simple partisan reasons.

Do we want a country that will cut spending and jobs at a time when we are already experiencing high unemployment.

If we want that kind of country then all we have to do is vote for Republicans (or not vote), because that’s what they have promised to deliver if elected.

If that’s not the kind of country we want then we better show up to vote. We better talk to our friends and family and make sure they go vote. This is about what kind of country we want to have and it’s up to us to decide.

One of the things that has come to my attention with discussions surrounding Arizona’s new immigration law SB1070 is how little many people know about our rights under our Constitution. Worse yet, they don’t know why they are important and why they have to be defended – even when the government tells us it’s for our own good – or especially when the government says its for our own good.

First of all, something everyone needs to be aware of is that SB1070 doesn’t apply to just illegal immigrants. It empowers law enforcement officers with “reasonable suspicion” to demand identification or proof of legal immigration from ANYONE. Even if they have done nothing wrong. They don’t have to place them under arrest.

This is almost identical to the arguments over the US Patriot Act with warrant-less wiretaps. Those in favor of giving the government unlimited power to spy on citizens in violation of the Fourth Amendment said “If you don’t have anything to hide then it shouldn’t matter if they are listening.” Yes it does matter. Because every time we give up one of our rights, whether it’s to protect us from terrorists, illegal immigrants or drug dealers, it just makes it that much easier for more to be taken.

They who can give up essential liberty to obtain a little temporary safety, deserve neither liberty nor safety. ~ Benjamin Franklin

In addition to many people not knowing their rights, how to apply them and why they are important there are some that think we should not be taught or learned. Teachers Suspended for Showing Flex Your Rights Video

The guys at FlexYourRights.Org have done a great job putting together video’s not only explaining our rights but how to exercise them properly. I’ve included their “10 Rules For Dealing with Police” video below in four parts. Also, a couple of additional links from the Washington Post and Cato Institute.

Washington Post: ’10 Rules for Dealing with Police’ seeks to teach constitutional rights

Cato @ Liberty: Immigration Law — Up Close

Cato Institute: 10 Rules for Dealing with Police – A film produced by Flex Your Rights With comments from William “Billy” Murphy, Attorney and 10 Rules Narrator and Neill Franklin, Law Enforcement Against Prohibition. Moderated by Tim Lynch, Director, Project on Criminal Justice, Cato Institute.

Part One

Part Two

Part Three

Part Four