OT : Do you have any understanding of my rights as an American citizen?

[David Andersen]

A. Barnard wrote:

>> Many, many people would agree with you but for one
>> little thing': You are
>> completely wrong. Sorry. The suffering of Iraq's
>> innocents is the fault of
>> Hussein, as the suffering of the Jews and Gypsies
>> and so many others was the
>> fault of Hitler. Blaming America, in any way, for
>> the suffering of the
>> Iraqis is false and, excuse me, treasonous. Hussein?
>> Hitler? KILL THE
>> BASTARD. No apologies. Do it for the sake of the
>> Iraqi people. They will
>> cheer you and bless you for liberating them.
>> 
>> It's how I feel, it's what I know.
>> 
>> Alan

I know what you're trying to say, Alan, and I know you're sincere, but 
America is not all-good, and has never been.  Humans are prone to greed, 
jealousy, corruptibility, rage, etc.---and humans have always been in 
power here. 

 Is this country the greatest experiment and success in democracy's 
history?
Yes.

Is it my absolute right and solemn, won-in-blood duty to question 
authority and be free to differ and dissent from the prevailing 
"conventional wisdom?
Yup.  That's why the Constitution is such a big deal, a deal worth 
defending and dying for.

All you knee-jerk patriots, take a step back. Name-calling is not cool. 
Take your lead from your heroes, the conservative politicians of the 
Senate....the good ones, anyway.  They disagree, radically, with their
Democratic counterparts.  But they respect them, and their right to be, 
act, and think differently, and are good friends, in some cases. Judge 
not lest ye be judged. Yo.

Wake up, boys. Redneckism is passe', and dangerous.  The rest of the 
world's perceptions and opinions DO matter in a global village. The 
Golden Rule applies everywhere.

with respect and affection for all.....David Andersen