"...and the Home of the Brave" (Caution: Rant)

[progressivejazz]

“…AND THE HOME OF THE BRAVE”


There’s something that has to be said to an unfortunately large number of Americans. The words at the end of our National Anthem do not apply to you. Sorry, that’s just the way it is. And here’s why:

You’ve given up freedoms in order to ease your fear. You’ve let your fear control your thinking. You’re not brave. You’re a wimp; and because of it you’re less free.

Patrick Henry said, “Give me Liberty or give me death”. What would he say if he saw his rights being severely eroded by the Patriot Act and now further threatened by Patriot II? Maybe, “This Liberty thing is negotiable, you know, I’m kind of afraid right now”? I don’t think so! But that’s what you say when you do nothing about the erosion of your rights. He was the kind of American referred to in “The Star Spangled Banner”. Not you.

Thanks to your fear, the government can search your home and access your most private records without your knowledge. And without a warrant. And without probable cause. You can be designated a terrorist on the say-so of one member of the administration. Any organization you’re a member of can be designated a terrorist organization the same way. No evidence needed. You may deserve this because you won’t stand up to it. But those of us who do speak out don’t deserve to be in this same boat with you. We will get our freedoms back. And when we do, we’ll get your freedoms back for you at the same time. But that won’t make any difference to you; you’ll still be trembling in your armchair. Because you’re a wimp.

You let this administration lead us into an illegal, immoral, and totally unjustified war without a peep. You were lied to and swallowed the lie whole. Does that make you innocent? When a naked appeal is made to your fear, it’s your duty as a human being to find out what the real facts are. You haven’t shown your innocence by claiming you didn’t know the facts. You’ve just shown that you’re lazy, as well as a wimp. And make no mistake about it, the very real bravery shown by our men and women in uniform doesn’t rub off on you. Your using that bravery to cover your fear just makes you look that much worse in contrast.

Hearing the “Star Spangled Banner” has always filled me up and made the hair on my neck stand out. It has always reminded me of the dream of justice and freedom that is America. It still does. It’s heartening to know that when people sing it, they’re singing it for people like me. Too bad it doesn’t apply to you.

[RobertSeattle]

1. Good rant

perhaps we should change "Home of the Brave" to "Home of the Taxcut".

[liberalhistorian]

2. EXCELLENT!

Very true, and very eloquently put. Have you considered publishing something similar as a LTTE?

[StopTheMorans]

3. They should change it to

"Home of the Naive"

[progressivejazz]

9. I thought of

"...the land of the somewhat free, and the home of the wimp" as an alternative ending for them, but decided not to include it for some reason.

[ikojo]

4. Wow! you should submit this for

publication...this needs to reach a wide audience.

Excellent thoughts...wasn't it Franklin who said that those who are willing to give up liberty for security deserve neither?

[progressivejazz]

5. Thank you.

But I have no idea how to get something published.

[BeFree]

6. They are sheep in wolves clothing

Yep, I'm calling them sheeple again. I know some of you don't like that term, but methinks a lot of you are beginning to see the wisdom of using that one word to typify those of us, "We, the people", who are hiding, in fear and ignorance, behind our brave troops.

They are the sheep in wolves clothing. The wolves clothing being the mega-war machine, Military - Industrial- Congressional Complex.

Good rant, pro/jazz

[progressivejazz]

7. Thanks, BeFree.

I like the image of sheep in wolves' clothing.

What really bugs me is their love of wrapping themselves in the flag. It doesn't hide their cowardice, but does dishonor the flag.

To avoid mixing metaphors, I'll stick with mine; but I really like yours too.

[Seneca]

8. yep

"land of the free" does not apply either.