Living in America, many times we just accept that we are a free nation, because we've heard it all our lives. Over the past ten years I've seen many of our freedoms slowly taken away in the name of security and many people are OK with this because they think they can sleep at night without fear of being taken over by some radical group. And yet, some would say that we ARE being taken over by some radical groups - just more slowly and less violently than feared - the theory of gradualism. If you put a frog in a pot of hot water, it will struggle to get out and die trying. But, if you put a frog in a pot of cool water and slowly turn the heat up - it will slowly boil to death - without a struggle.
Is this us?
2007-01-09 12:51:00 · 10 answers · asked by The Watcher 3 in Politics & Government ➔ Other - Politics & Government
FREEDOM OF ASSOCIATION: Government may monitor religious and political institutions without suspecting criminal activity to assist terror investigations.
FREEDOM OF INFORMATION: Government has closed once-public immigration hearings, has secretly detained hundreds of people without charges, and has encouraged bureaucrats to resist public records questions.
FREEDOM OF SPEECH: Government may prosecute librarians or keepers of any other records if they tell anyone that the government subpoenaed information related to a terror investigation.
RIGHT TO LEGAL REPRESENTATION: Government may monitor federal prison jailhouse conversations between attorneys and clients, and deny lawyers to Americans accused of crimes.
FREEDOM FROM UNREASONABLE SEARCHES: Government may search and seize Americans' papers and effects without probable cause to assist terror investigation.
RIGHT TO A SPEEDY AND PUBLIC TRIAL: Government may jail Americans indefinitely without a trial.
RIGHT TO LIBERTY: Americans may be jailed without being charged or being able to confront witnesses against them.
2007-01-09 13:01:49 · answer #1 · answered by Kacky 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I'm old enough to remember when this was a free country. Unfortunately, it is the nature of any government to assume more power and restrict freedom whenever possible.
The boiling frog has been the pot a long time. When I mention the book "1984" to younger people, the ones who have read it usually answer "So?" or "Whatever". When I read it 40 years ago it scared the you-know-what out of me and everyone I knew. It seems like most of those scary prophecies are a part of everyday life now.
2007-01-09 21:05:19 · answer #2 · answered by John H 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I agree, 100%. Look at the Patriot Act. It took away our right to privacy by tapping the phones to listen in on "possible terrorist communications". Slowing, gradually, like you said, we are having the carpet of freedom taken out from under our feet. Slow enough for us not to notice, but fast enough to take it away in the near future.
Mark my words. Something is going to happen in the near future. Something that is going to affect the entire nation (America). Then, revolution will ensue the country. I feel it in my bones.
And ditto to Kacky's post.
2007-01-09 21:01:50 · answer #3 · answered by the taino boy 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Directed to Kackie...sorry if I spelled that wrong. Let me address your issues and explain the legality of it.
FREEDOM OF ASSOCIATION: Government may monitor religious and political institutions without suspecting criminal activity to assist terror investigations.
Answer: Everyone is free to associate with whom they like. However, if the FBI, or CIA...or the military investigators have found any evidence leading them to believe that the person you are associating with is involved in terrorist activities, that is called Reasonable Suspicion and you will also be questioned in that relationship. It's always been standard procedure during war-time, even and especially during the WWII era. When people were suspected of having ties to the Communist party, (Russia), it didn't matter 'who' they were, famous or not, they were blacklisted from the motion picture studios, and were unable to make a living in the movies. Others were also arrested detained and questioned until the government agencies found out the truth. But then, there was no such thing as that many civil rights and there was not the Civil Liberities Union to bail them out crying 'foul, foul!!' Suspects in any possible or probable conspiracy against the U.S., most especially with the Communist party ties were many times beaten by those who had captured them until the truth was found out. So, don't complain. This country has come a long way since then. Our security for not only ourselves, but also the next generation is at stake.
FREEDOM OF INFORMATION: Government has closed once-public immigration hearings, has secretly detained hundreds of people without charges, and has encouraged bureaucrats to resist public records questions.
Answer: The freedom of information act was basically instituted to give the public the right to know why they were refused, detained or accused. It wasn't until terrorism or 9/11, the government decided to close those hearings to keep them more private, but most especially for security reasons. If you were being detained and put on trial for terrorism, or if you had a situation in your background you may not want known, would you want the entire public at large looking at you or the files giving details of your detention arrest? I don't think so. Don't forget, there are privacy issues here as well. The RIGHT to privacy.
FREEDOM OF SPEECH: Government may prosecute librarians or keepers of any other records if they tell anyone that the government subpoenaed information related to a terror investigation.
Answer: When the U.S. Government subpoenas information for investigation into the terrioists attacks, it is covered under the new bill. The federal or state governments do not OWE any person an explaination of 'why' they are doing it, what records are taken or against who, that will or may be used in the arrest, detention or prosecution of suspects, terrorist or any capital other capital crime. Once the records are subpoenaed, that information becomes 'completely classified' until after the hearing(s) trial(s) and/or convictions. It is only after the conviction is read for the record and sentance carried out, that the general public may be told or view the details. But as long as there is an ongoing investigation, the information is for judges and attorney eyes only, as well as the prisoner, who is usually told what is going on.
RIGHT TO LEGAL REPRESENTATION: Government may monitor federal prison jailhouse conversations between attorneys and clients, and deny lawyers to Americans accused of crimes.
Answer: Government has a right to monitor FEDERAL prison conversation because those prisons belong to the federal government, and house people who have committed federal crimes either against a person, the state or nation. Letting them out, or any conversations that would lead federal officers to believe there could be a conspiracy within the prison system for the possibility of killing inmates or committing federal crimes while they are imprisoned is the reason they do this. Since it's Federal property, that's their choice most especially during war time.
FREEDOM FROM UNREASONABLE SEARCHES: Government may search and seize Americans' papers and effects without probable cause to assist terror investigation.
Answer: A terror investigation is a national offense against the government and the citizens of the U.S. and the rules change when it comes to this type of seizure. They can do that because when it comes to national security there are time factors involved. There could be a WMD sitting somewhere and that person could have a written record or laptop with a cell phone which would trigger it denination. When the federal laws let the rules change, it is under the heading of national issues to protect and defend the citizens of the U.S.. Since this is on our land, especially if the person is a suspect, then YES, the time factors mean everything...and that's what changes the rule.
RIGHT TO A SPEEDY AND PUBLIC TRIAL: Government may jail Americans indefinitely without a trial.
Answer: Not every single case can be brought before the judge within 48 hours...this is called the 48 hour rule. There are cases pending that have been scheduled long before this persons arrest. Each person is, however, guarateed at least a 'preliminary hearing' for offenses committed, and most all are released on bail OR the judges immediate ruling at the prelim. hearing. This IS the law. Also in defense of that law, lawyers and judges must be in agreement for scheduling an actual court date should the case go to trial. Take a trip to your county or state courthouse and sit though a few days of trials as I have during my internship. Weeks or in some cases months can lapse before it can be scheduled on the docket. However, that is the actual trial AND it depends on the offense that has been committed.
RIGHT TO LIBERTY: Americans may be jailed without being charged or being able to confront witnesses against them.
Answer: Bologona! These are only exceptional cases and very, very rare. Before the arresting officer can put someone in jail, he MUST and I repeat MUST have a change against the person he/she just arrested. Otherwise there isn't a record for the judge to look at and the case cannot be brought forward or scheduled for a hearing within the 48 hour rule unless there is a charge posted again the detainee. Also, the only time the accused is not allowed to come face to face with the accuser is if it's an underaged child or a person who has been rendered in an unstable condition OR is hospitalized. That's the ONLY time they will not be faced.
I don't know WHERE you got your information from...but it's half baked. Stop watching so much TV...you'll ruin your mind.
2007-01-09 22:12:31 · answer #4 · answered by chole_24 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
All of the so called freedoms you are implying we have lost were surrendered in the name of the ridiculous war on drugs!
Controlled substances should be the definition of "Oxymoron"!
Ever consider "Regulation, production, marketing and TAXATION?--Oh wait, I forgot, that would put a lot of Lawyer scum out of easy money!-Well, never fear Rat is here!--You can now go after "Tax Evaders"! Heck, you might even find time to go after Employers hiring Undocumented workers!-NAW!!
2007-01-09 21:32:35 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
To Serve Man
Twylight Zone Had It Right!
2007-01-09 20:55:56 · answer #6 · answered by Celeste P 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I am free because I serve only the innocent! I have no nationality, no boss, no fears, and no hatred for anyone or anything!
2007-01-09 21:11:08 · answer #7 · answered by Jamie 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I still feel free, but I do see the Liberal trying to take away some of my freedoms.
2007-01-09 21:15:04 · answer #8 · answered by Yo it's Me 7 · 0⤊ 1⤋
what freedoms have we lost?
the ability to communicate with terrorists, is the only thing ive noticed.
2007-01-09 20:56:21 · answer #9 · answered by chumpchange 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I Guss we have a wright to do gust about anything these days.
2007-01-09 21:08:47 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋