He’s concerned about ‘Big Brother’
Published 5:03 am Wednesday, March 12, 2008
By Staff
To the editor:
I am concerned about Bush's request for increased surveillance of Americans.
Thomas Jefferson said in a letter to Dr. Benjamin Rush, Sept.23, 1800: "I have sworn upon the altar of God eternal hostility against every form of tyranny over the mind of man."
This inscription is carved on the interior dome of Jefferson Memorial. I ask that we actively question our government who wants to blatantly wiretap communications without a system of checks and balances.
Another concern of mine is the increasing of United States military spending.
My understanding is that the top three presidential nominees all want to bump up the military budget and/or increase the size of the armed forces. So I ask, "How much to we need to defend the U.S.?
Already we spend more for defense than all the other nations combined! Apparently, the largest manufacturer, owner and controller of weapons feels it is right to make war on others.
The U.S. has the most money allotted to military might of any country in the world, yet we used "overwhelming force" for sheer intimidation and murder on the people of Iraq.
Here is another historical quote I am compelled to share: "All you have to do is tell them you are being attacked and denounce the peacemakers for lack of patriotism and exposing the country to danger. It works the same in any country."
From Nazi Reich Marshall Hermann Goering at the Nuremburg War Trials.
And still I reference our elected officials' use of force, torture and excessive war spending over basic human needs.
Then there is the highly questionable use of waterboarding (banned in an Army field manual in 2006) as an intelligence tool to keep us safe. I have to agree with House Speaker Nancy Pelosi's stance. "In the final analysis, our ability to lead the world will depend not only on our military might, but on our moral authority," said Pelosi.
Thomas Jefferson forewarned us about of the use of force and threats to obtain obedience.
I appreciate being able to speak my mind, but speaking out shouldn't cost my heart so much grief.
Cassopolis