Patrick’s Rants

One hopes that the history of the United States is not a book whose story is nearing its end.

This country was founded by people fleeing their oppresive governments. The orginal settlers were not only seeking freedom of religion, but also freedom from religion. The separation of church and state is so fundamental to the continued survival of our country that I can only believe the end of our great experiment called democracy is nearing its end. George W Bush is handing government money to so-called faith based initiatives, he wants to amend the constitution- our most sacred document - to define, one might say redefine, marriage, we are currently fighting a crusade like war in Iraq, we are breaking the promise of Social Security. Our country is broke. Our political line of credit is used up. Our standing in the world is one of the big bully. Instead of jobs, Bush talks about No Child Left Behind, a program that discriminates against gifted programs, underfunded schools and every state that is struggling to find money just for text books.

The government now owes more money that could be paid for by selling everything owned by everyone living in this country. We are owned by foreign governments and investors.

With the “Patriot Act” the Bill of Rights is eroded, illegal search and seizure doesn’t apply. A search warrant is not required. One must take care to note that the “Patriot Act” was proposed before 9/11/2001. It has nothing to do with fighting terrorism and everything to do with eroding the Bill of Rights. Of course the reduced funding for local law enforcement balances out the big brother effect of the Patriot Act.

So what hangs in the balance this Tuesday? A woman’s right to choose, the makeup of the Supreme Court, Democracy itself.

The revolution must take place with the ballot or I fear that it will take place in the streets. We revolted against England when the oppression was too much to take, our militia may soon begin to feel the need to arm itself against our leaders.