Archive for category Civil liberties Infringement

Right-Wing Census Freakout

Census

I got my U.S. Census form in the mail yesterday, which means it must be time for the right-wing freakout.

The Census gathers data on the age, gender, relationship, marital status, and race of everyone living in the USA. Other information is collected on a sample basis.

The very same people who calmly supported President Bush when he imprisoned and tortured American citizens without charges, and authorized widespread warrantless surveillance, now are crying about how the 2010 Census supposedly violates the law.

It’s “wealth redistribution research,” they say. “Unconstitutional.” “Socialist.” The Census could lead to identity theft.

Our federal government was never intended by its founders to be the vehicle by which statisticians and demographers would have access to mounds of data to pore over.

Contrary to the belief of some, provisions of the USA PATRIOT Act pertaining to information-gathering and sharing do not override federal confidentiality laws when it comes to the U.S. Census.

Fortunately, the freakout will be over soon. Last June, Rep. Michele Bachmann was urging people to boycott the census. But then she realized that if her constituents followed her advice she might lose her Minnesota congressional district.

We’ll all be able to make use of the data, which is worth far more than the cost of collecting it, free of charge. It will be in our geographic information systems, our GPS units, and on the Internet. The Census is an important piece of America’s information infrastructure.

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Too Much Bipartisanship

PATRIOT Act warningWithout any debate, another year-long extension of the unconstitutional USA PATRIOT Act was approved by Congressional Democrats earlier this week and signed into law by President Obama on Saturday.

It was either an act of pure political cowardice, or else the act of a party and a president who simply do not care about the Constitution and civil liberties. Are they afraid that commentators on Faux News might say something bad about them (like they do every single day anyway)? Are they afraid of people reading library books? Are they afraid of what people might say in private about the government (we say plenty in public)?

Contrary to the rhetoric, the USA PATRIOT Act has nothing to do with terrorism or national security. It gives federal agencies super investigative powers they have wanted for many years — to be used against anybody, whether or not thought to have any association with terrorism.

Glenn Greenwald called the renewal of the USA PATRIOT Act “excessive bipartisanship.”

One of the strangest prongs of conventional Beltway wisdom is the lament that there is not enough bipartisanship. The opposite is true: many of the most damaging acts inflicted on the country by Washington are enacted on a fully bipartisan basis — the most destructive political act of this generation, the invasion of Iraq, was fully bipartisan, as were most of the post-9/11 civil liberties abuses and other Bush-era initiatives– and, at least in certain areas, the harmonious joining together of Republicans and Democrats continues unabated.

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Happy Birthday, George Washington!

Today is George Washington’s 278th birthday. Henry Lee famously said that of all Americans, Washington was “first in war, first in peace, and first in the hearts of his countrymen.” President Washington was not a member of any political party, an inspiration to Independents down to the present day.

Washington Crossing the Delaware

Emanuel Gottlieb Leutze, American, 1816-1868, “George Washington Crossing the Delaware”

Washington wasn’t the most eloquent of generals or presidents, but his words carry conviction. He was respected because everyone knew he would do the right thing. Something the current occupant of the White House might want to think about.

“Citizens by birth or choice, of a common country, that country has a right to concentrate your affections. The name of AMERICAN, which belongs to you, in your national capacity, must always exalt the just pride of Patriotism, more than any appellation derived from local discriminations.”

– Farewell Address, September 19, 1796

“Should any American soldier be so base and infamous as to injure any [prisoner]. . . I do most earnestly enjoin you to bring him to such severe and exemplary punishment as the enormity of the crime may require. Should it extend to death itself, it will not be disproportional to its guilt at such a time and in such a cause… for by such conduct they bring shame, disgrace and ruin to themselves and their country.”

– Charge to the Northern Expeditionary Force, September 14, 1775

“Let us therefore animate and encourage each other, and show the whole world that a Freeman, contending for liberty on his own ground, is superior to any slavish mercenary on earth.”

– General Orders, Headquarters, New York (July 2, 1776)

Read the rest of this entry »

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Can the President Order the Assassination of Americans? Yes He Can.

There is a list of U.S. citizens targeted for assassination by their own government. Glenn Greenwald is all over this issue. Not a lot of concern elsewhere. First, here are the visuals:

MQ-9 Reaper fires a Hellfire missile
MQ-9 Reaper fires a Hellfire missile

Hellfire missile impact
And this is what happens

Director of National Intelligence Dennis Blair was asked about this program at a Congressional hearing yesterday, and he acknowledged its existence.

Greenwald (the whole post is worth reading):

Remember when many Democrats were horrified (or at least when they purported to be) at the idea that Bush was merely eavesdropping on American citizens without judicial approval? Shouldn’t we be at least as concerned about the President’s being able to assassinate Americans without judicial oversight? That seems much more Draconian to me.

…Far beyond the specific injustices of assassinating Americans without trials, the real significance, the real danger, is that we continue to be frightened into radically altering our system of government.

This is just insane. There is no justification for it. Yet nobody in Washington is trying to stop it. As Greenwald points out, there is no “war exception” to the Constitution.

Also, under the provisions of the unconstitutional Military Commissions Act of 2006, the President has the power to declare anyone at all to be an enemy combatant. Anyone so declared can be imprisoned indefinitely without charges and without the right of habeas corpus.

UPDATE: Tonight, MSNBC’s Keith Olbermann covered Dennis Blair’s testimony about the government’s plans for extrajudicial killings of American citizens.

UPDATE: Greenwald has a follow-up post, in which he points out that: (1) The fact that the Government labels Person X a “Terrorist” is not proof that Person X is, in fact, a Terrorist, and (2) The 17th Century Salem witch trials at least included a pretense of due process, but now we’re ready to execute Americans without any trial.

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Nothing to Hide

File this under “least shocking news I have heard in years.” It turns out that the FBI broke the law in phone record searches. I know, you didn’t see it coming either. Shocked I tell ya.

Next thing you will tell me that Palin is a whiney quitter who is after a book deal and a Fox “news” spot.
Read the rest of this entry »

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The Kings of Free Speech

In another 5 to 4 decision – the worst since Bush v Gore – The Supreme Court INC. has left the American people to smolder and stew over another ridiculous decision that could be debunked by a high school graduate. Since I’m a high school graduate, let me give it a crack:

How is it fair to give some people more free speech then the rest of us, or, for that matter, more free speech then the people they’re speaking FOR. If corporations have free speech, as the court ruled yesterday, why should management or even one person be able to talk for every single person who works under him as a group?

How did I do?

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Who Really Killed Dr. Tiller? Murder in the Name of Christianity.

A few things are empirically true about the murder of Kansas Doctor George Tiller this past summer. The murderer, Scott Roeder and his supporters are angry, extremist, fundamentalist Christians.

While all major Christian institutions have condemned the murder, they have also disavowed the tactics of militant anti-abortion folks who legitimize their behavior under the banner of Christianity.

Even Bill O’Reilly, primary provocateur of record, has clearly and explicitly condemned Scott Roeder and the slaying of an innocent man in the name of Christianity. But O’Reilly did not act alone. He was encouraged, CHEERED in fact, by a small number of militant Christians with a clear history of harassment and violence in and around Wichita Kansas. Apparently, bloggers played a major role, some of them even falling over themselves to take credit.

That is why Richard Okelberry’s history of militant anti-abortion speech, long-standing attacks on Dr. Tiller and his  explicit refusal to condemn Tiller’s murder demands closer scrutiny as to the role he played in this horrific affront to human decency and Christian values.

Note: Richard Okelberry hails from Lincoln, Nebraska less than 200 miles from Roeder’s home.

By his own admission, Okelberry began sending letters about Dr. George Tiller at last as early as March 2006. In a post titled (surprise) “Tiller The baby Killer” which features a faked photo of Tiller in jail, Okelberry writes;

Scott Reoder ProvocateurI also sent copies to Planned Parenthood, the areas premier abortion provider, as well as several state representatives and a few nationally syndicated radio talk show hosts…One of those copied was Mr. Bill O’Reilly from the Fox News Channel and the Bill O’Reilly Show. Richard Okelberry March 24, 2006

It is well know by now that up until the time of Tiller’s murder, O’Reilly or guest, had mentioned Tiller (as the Baby Killer) at least 28 times. In the same post Okleberry implicitly claims to have encouraged Bill O’Reilly:

While I have no idea whether or not my correspondence had any effect, I can tell you with all certainty that Bill O’Reilly has now picked up the ball and is running for the ”in-zone.” In fact he has launched an all out campaign against the infamous Kansas doctor that he calls, “Tiller the baby killer.”

In the days following one of Okelberry’s letters O’Reilly said on the air:

“No question Dr. Tiller has blood on his hands. But now so does Governor Sebelius. She is not fit to serve. Nor is any Kansas politician who supports Tiller’s business of destruction. I wouldn’t want to be these people if there is a Judgment Day.

By any measure, this is a veiled death threat.  While O’Reilly has consistently shocked the world with his bullying, cruelty and recklessness, he is not known for originating death threats.  One can only assume that he was referring to threats made by others?  But who?  Who among O’Reilly’s sources was using the term Judgment Day in reference to Tiller?

I think the answer is clear.  This is a Christian term which, in its most popular context, means death, deserving of death to be specific.

Lets take a moment and consider the vitriol in Okelberry’s writings. In this post of less than 500 words attacking Obama and Sebelius, Okelberry refers to Tiller as a “baby killer” no less than SEVEN times.

Militant Anti-Abortionist“…Gov. Sebelius, even threw a party for the infamous Tiller the Baby Killer (George Tiller)…to thank Tiller for his sizable blood money….Tiller the Baby Killer isn’t just your run of the mill abortionist….that will pluck the dead remains of a fully developed baby at 9 months…Tiller the Baby Killer and his wife…”

George Tiller was murdered 90 days later.

While it remains unclear exactly what role his vicious anti-abortion advocacy played in encouraging the cold-blooded murder of George Tiller by Scott Reoder, it is clear that Ricard Okelberry petitioned Bill O’Reilly to villanize a great and brave Doctor who risked his life everyday to protect the health and in many cases, the lives of women. Richard Okelberry bragged about it.

As a prolific contributing author to a popular local Utah blog called KVNU’s For The People, Okelberry’s response to Tiller’s murder was expected to reflect some contrition.  As one who wore his Christianity on his sleeve, we all expected some remorse, at the very least a clear condemnation for this unchristian act.  Instead, in a post entitled Mass Murderer Dies at the Hands of Radical (which was subsequently removed), we got:

Mass Murderer Dies at the Hands of RadicalMy first instinct after hearing of the shooting Sunday was to write an essay on the topic.  Instead I decided to take a moment to allow those on both sides of this issue make their case.  I was not surprised to find some on the right rejoicing over the death of Tiller.

Should we also look at the charitable record of his murderer to justify his actions?  Both of these men were evil and murderous.  They are both GUILTY!

This is the first death of an abortionist at the hands of a pro-lifer in over 20 YEARS!  This is not a pattern, but merely an incident.  Young men living on the South Side of Chicago are far more likely to meet a violent end… in that community, than any abortions is [sic].

In addition to his uncompromising position against womens’ reproductive health rights and flaunting disregard for law, all under the guise of religion, Okelberry has been advocating for the most vile, sickening law enforcement practices imaginable.  Follows is only one example of the kinds of punishment he imagines for young pregnant girls.

I do want to point out that when a 15 year old girl does have an abortion, the genetic material contained in the discarded fetus should be collected by law enforcement and used as evidence of a crime. What crime you ask? First degree, unlawful sexual assault of a minor child is a felony in Nebraska. Richard Okelberry March 24, 2006

The lengthy record of Okelberry’s writing reflect nothing short of the ugliest kind of misogyny and a total disregard for democracy, privacy, law,  Christian doctrine and the Christian community.

Okelberry’s actions and posture on this issue constitute nothing less than the promotion of violence, immorality, misogyny and intolerance through the fraudulent usurpation of Christianity.

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‘If you love pizza, and you hate terrorism…’

As far as I know, airport security has yet to apprehend one would-be terrorist, even after the Bush administration spent $40 billion and hired 45,000 “professional screening officers.” Of course, they also ignored most of the 9/11 Commission’s recommendations for helping law enforcement prevent terrorism.

We’ve endured years of people like Senator Ted Kennedy being flagged by the “terrorist watch list” or “no fly list,” a secret database that we’re not allowed to see, and cannot be questioned. Reportedly, there are about a half million “terrorists” identified so far. Now they’re telling us these are two different lists, because the Nigerian guy who will forever be known as the “underpants bomber” was allowed to board a transatlantic fight even though he was a suspected suicide attacker (according to his own father). Oh, and this guy reportedly had no passport, no luggage and bought a one-way ticket paid for in cash by a third party.

You might think this is the fault of a dumb bureaucracy, but right-wing op-ed writers know where to point their fingers:

Some share of responsibility lies with civil libertarian extremists who have ceaselessly lambasted the entire no-fly system.

To which I say, let’s renew the generous offer made by Tina Fey and Jimmy Fallon in a classic “Weekend Update” segment on “Saturday Night Live,” first broadcast on November 10, 2001. Just substitute “professional screening officer” for “airport employee.” Fey and Fallon are bigger stars now than they were eight years ago, so maybe we’ll get results if they do this again.

Tina Fey and Jimmy FallonFEY: This week, the FAA shut down a terminal at Kennedy airport because security workers were not using the metal detectors properly. And, at O’Hare, a man with seven knives, a stun gun, and a can of mace passed a security checkpoint. I just wanna take a minute to address the airport security personnel directly, if I might…

I know you guys only make like $7 an hour and you’re worried about being replaced by federal employees, but – seriously, you have got to get it together! You have got to focus up! Okay?

So here’s what I propose: the first airport employee who successfully catches a terrorist, Jimmy and I will personally throw a pizza party for you, and up to 20 of your friends. Isn’t that right, Jimmy?

FALLON: Absolutely.

FEY: Think about this: It’s all the pizzas you can eat – up to 20 of your friends. There’s no limit on the kind of toppings you can have..Jimmy is there a limit on toppings?

FALLON: No.

FEY: If you wanna get all plain pizzas..great.

FALLON: Get half plan, half pepperoni, that’s cool with us.

FEY: If you want like, ham and pineapple – I think that’s weird, but, whatever.

Tina Fey and Jimmy FallonFALLON: You eat it.

FEY: That’s the kind of freedom that makes our country great. Will I pay for cheesy bread…?

FALLON & FEY: No!

FEY: That’s not the deal!

FALLON: Don’t be greedy.

FEY: It’s a pizza party, okay? Don’t try to take advantage of us. Also, don’t be a jerk – if you only have like 15 good friends that like pizza, don’t scape up 5 other people just to make it more expensive for us.

FALLON: I wanna have a good time too, don’t bring a bunch of creeps.

FEY: It’s called: “Weekend Update Strikes Back:”

FALLON:
“Pizza Party Against Terrorism.”

FEY: So if you love pizza, and you hate terrorism…get your head out of your ass, and get all up in Muamar’s carry-on.

Thanks to FallonFey.com for the transcript. Can anybody find the video?

UPDATE: Accountability-free Republicans have been quick to politicize the underpants bomber with predictable accusations. Without evidence New Gingrich claims that “protecting the rights of terrorists has been more important than protecting the lives of Americans.” And he wants to bring back torture.

Related One Utah posts:
Are There Really 400,000 Terrorists? (May 7, 2009)
A Million Terrorists, and Counting (July 15, 2008)
OMG There Are A Million Terrorists (February 27, 2008)

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Time for a Mature Public Discussion of Sex Education

Rep. Lynn Hemingway is proposing a bill that would create a two-track system of sex education in Utah schools – the first track the current “keep your knees together and pray” abstinence only and a new track of comprehensive sex education.

The problem – the major obstacle to meaningful reform of Utah sex education – is the bizarre dedication of so many Utahns to the notion that we have to teach abstinence. Consider this editorial from The Spectrum, published in St. George: Read the rest of this entry »

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Dallin Oaks: Crybaby Buffoon of the Week

You know, it’s not often I get the chance to say one of the leaders of a religious denomination is so full of shit his eyes are green but Mormon Elder Dallin Oaks has given me the chance. (For those not in the know, Elder is his actual title, not simply a term of respect.)

From today’s Trib:

LDS apostle Dallin H. Oaks on Tuesday likened the post-Proposition 8 backlash against Mormons to the persecution blacks endured during the civil-rights struggle.

What a buffoon. To quote Bugs Bunny, “What an embezzle! What an ultramaroon! What a poltroon!”

Jeanetta Williams, by contrast, is not a buffoon.

Jeanetta Williams, president of the NAACP’s Salt Lake branch, said there is “no comparison.”

“I don’t see where the LDS Church has been denied any of their rights,” she said. “What the gay and lesbian communities are fighting for, that is a civil-rights issue.”

I spent some time reading through the transcript of his remarks and let’s just say it goes wrong at the beginning and stays wrong pretty much throughout. Read the rest of this entry »

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Rep. Chaffetz Brings The Crazy – Census Edition

Via TPM: Utah’s own Rep. Jason Chaffetz went on Faux News yesterday to demonize U.S. Bureau of the Census workers as killers, rapists and child molesters. Somebody ought to tell the congressman he can’t out-crazy Michele Bachmann, so why even try?

Chaffetz, to Fox’s Gregg Jarrett (emphasis added):

“It is paramount that the American people have confidence, and the people who are going to go door-to-door next April 10 and conduct a census, and what is concerning we have suddenly about 1800 people that have actually got a criminal background. Nearly 750 people have salacious backgrounds such as child molestation, rape. You even have some people convicted of manslaughter that have been brought into the process. I give credit to the Census Bureau for actually conducting background checks and doing fingerprinting and working with the FBI, but what is not acceptable is that tens of thousands of these were done improperly, so we do not know the background of these people.

What is the point of this fear-mongering? Republicans hate the principle of one citizen, one vote. Republicans have been waging war against the U.S. Census, because they do not want an accurate count of the number of people– especially minority people. A lot depends upon these numbers. Congressional districts, federal funding– these are some of the things which could change drastically if the 2010 Census showed a major shift in demographics, such as an increase in Latinos in various parts of the United States. Like Utah.

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Time For Some Foreign Policy Realism: Cold War Against Extremists, not Hot War

H/t to Andrew Sullivan for this article by Andrew Bacevich.

Bacevich argues that the west – not the US – should pursue a policy of containment against the Islamism. This article, however, like most of his writing, is densely packed with insights.
Read the rest of this entry »

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