2006-12-11 04:21:21 · 14 answers · asked by Snowshoe 3 in Politics & Government ➔ Politics
You can hate the ACLU all you want, right up until they defend your unpopular idea. You can hate them for defending the KKK; you can hate them for defending terrorism suspects in GITMO; you can hate them for defending criminals who clearly did what they're charged of; you can hate them for defending athiests against theist government action; you can hate them for defending minority religions against majoritarian rule; you can hate them for defending "baby killer" abortionists and those who want to use those services. You can hate them all you want, right up until you're the minority that the government goes after--until you hold BELIEFS or want to engage in SPEECH that is so politically unpopular that the Government might try to censor or incarcerate you (or make it so hard for you that you must abandon your beliefs and speech). And you've seen the slippery slope--you've seen the Government go after American citizens who are labeled "enemy combatants" and denied basic civil liberties; you've seen the Government use the Patriot Act to investigate not just terrorism but every other crime (down to simple drug possession and dealing). Someone must be there to stop abuses early.
I am a card carrying ACLU member. Do I support the people that the ALCU defends? Rarely. Do I support every ALCU policy? Not by a long shot. Am I glad they're there? You bet. You should be too.
To your first question -- to the extent that you are seeking a government job or have a position relating to national security, I think the government has a right to ask whether you are now or have ever been a member of any group that supports the violent overthrow of the U.S. Goverment (which may or may not include the communist party). The Government may also have a security interest in prohibiting truly terrorist organizations in America (if and only if the government can prove THAT particular organization argued for the IMMEDIATE overthrow of the government by force or violence). Other than that, your first amendment right to free association is a powerful one, and I would join in the other posters with the answer that the government cannot ban an organization simply because it doesn't like what it stands for.
2006-12-11 05:14:18 · answer #1 · answered by Perdendosi 7 · 3⤊ 1⤋
Of course, we are free to join any political party. Communism will never be an internal threat to the United States. History has proven that communism, though attractive on paper, is a disaster in practice. I don't really understand why you included the ACLU in question about the communist party though. They are more American in principle than many Americans themselves. Of course, those who don't like strict adherence to our Constitution hate them, but that's neither here nor there. To me, the funny part of that is that the ACLU would be the first to defend their right to feel that way. Ironic huh?
2006-12-11 04:52:26 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 0⤋
Your question is interesting. I don't know if you are asking something else altogether though. Or it may be what it appears. At any rate, here in the US, we are blessed with the freedom to do pretty much anything we like as long as it does not infringe on the rights of others. Makes me wonder if worshiping at a Mosque that teaches radical Islamic hate doctrine is what our founding fathers meant when the Constitution was drafted....
2006-12-11 04:26:36 · answer #3 · answered by Rich B 5 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Yes. Although I'm not so sure about the so called ACLU.
2006-12-11 04:29:42 · answer #4 · answered by yupchagee 7 · 0⤊ 3⤋
Questions like this are scary. Who are you to tell a person what they can and cannot do. That is what is wrong with America today, to many busybodies
2006-12-11 04:33:10 · answer #5 · answered by tigerlilliebuick 3 · 1⤊ 1⤋
Of course we should. The Constitution gives us that right. Is this a serious question?
2006-12-11 04:23:16 · answer #6 · answered by tangerine 7 · 6⤊ 0⤋
That's why it's called a FREE country. Absolutely they should.
2006-12-11 04:23:57 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 5⤊ 0⤋
Yes, you cant keep people from joining something just because some people don't like it.
2006-12-11 04:23:49 · answer #8 · answered by Perplexed 7 · 4⤊ 1⤋
Yes
Yes
2006-12-11 04:24:35 · answer #9 · answered by hichefheidi 6 · 5⤊ 0⤋
They should be free to join either, even though both at one time advocated the overthrow of the US Government.
An employer is also free to refrain from hiring those who have joined these organizations.
2006-12-11 04:26:34 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 6⤋