Tag: America
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Free Speech Doesn’t Matter For Some News Agencies
In case you hadn’t heard:
Jeff Bezos, the billionaire owner of the Washington Post, announced on Wednesday that the newspaper will only publish opinion pieces that conform to his political ideology.
What this means is that they won’t publish any opinion but his. I guess that makes it an un-opinion section since it doesn’t reflect all sides. It is a not so subtle attempt to stifle any opinion he or this administration don’t agree with. To deny any opposition or opposing thoughts.
So much for free speech.
In response, David Shipley, the editor of the Washington Post’s opinion page, resigned. At least we know he has some integrity.
This is how democracy dies.
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14th Amendment
The Fourteenth Amendment to the United States Constitution was adopted on July 9, 1868. It was created to keep states from denying citizenship to freed slaves. This amendment is as relevant today as it was then as it also protects people from the whims of unscrupulous politics. To deny citizenship to anyone born in this country violates the constitution.
Fourteenth Amendment
Fourteenth Amendment Explained
Section 1
All persons born or naturalized in the United States, and subject to the jurisdiction thereof, are citizens of the United States and of the State wherein they reside. No State shall make or enforce any law which shall abridge the privileges or immunities of citizens of the United States; nor shall any State deprive any person of life, liberty, or property, without due process of law; nor deny to any person within its jurisdiction the equal protection of the laws.
Section 2
Representatives shall be apportioned among the several States according to their respective numbers, counting the whole number of persons in each State, excluding Indians not taxed. But when the right to vote at any election for the choice of electors for President and Vice-President of the United States, Representatives in Congress, the Executive and Judicial officers of a State, or the members of the Legislature thereof, is denied to any of the male inhabitants of such State, being twenty-one years of age, and citizens of the United States, or in any way abridged, except for participation in rebellion, or other crime, the basis of representation therein shall be reduced in the proportion which the number of such male citizens shall bear to the whole number of male citizens twenty-one years of age in such State.
Section 3
No person shall be a Senator or Representative in Congress, or elector of President and Vice-President, or hold any office, civil or military, under the United States, or under any State, who, having previously taken an oath, as a member of Congress, or as an officer of the United States, or as a member of any State legislature, or as an executive or judicial officer of any State, to support the Constitution of the United States, shall have engaged in insurrection or rebellion against the same, or given aid or comfort to the enemies thereof. But Congress may by a vote of two-thirds of each House, remove such disability.
Section 4
The validity of the public debt of the United States, authorized by law, including debts incurred for payment of pensions and bounties for services in suppressing insurrection or rebellion, shall not be questioned. But neither the United States nor any State shall assume or pay any debt or obligation incurred in aid of insurrection or rebellion against the United States, or any claim for the loss or emancipation of any slave; but all such debts, obligations and claims shall be held illegal and void.
Section 5
The Congress shall have power to enforce, by appropriate legislation, the provisions of this article.
Sources:
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January 6, 2021 Riot: Never Forget
On January 6, 2001, a mob descended on the capital at the behest of Donald Trump for the sole purpose of stopping the ratification of the next lawfully elected president of the United States of America, Joe Biden. The world watched in horror as people assaulted police, vandalized and entered the capital unlawfully, and threatened members of congress and vice president Pence.
Let us not forget that this wasn’t “a day of love” as Trump is now calling it, and those rioters weren’t patriots. In fact, this was not a random or spontaneous event at all. Many of the participants came prepared with pepper spray, zip ties, and combat gear. These are definitely not the acts of peaceful protesters. Let’s also not forget how many hours passed before Trump, after watching this unfold on live tv, consented to text his people, and tell them to go home.
This convicted felon will soon be sworn in as our 47th president. He’s promised to pardon all the rioters in the first few hours of his presidency and retaliate against anyone who has ever opposed him. His cabinet choices are all people who will do his bidding, some of whom aren’t qualified for their positions.
Wake up America. It’s up to us to remember the truth and keep our history from being rewritten and our constitution intact.
See my January 7, 2021 post: THIS IS NOT AMERICA
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Independence Day 2024
Today marks birth of the United States of America. Citizens throughout the country are celebrating.
I love my country and have always considered myself patriotic, even when I don’t agree with everything that is happening or what our leaders are doing. I’ll make sure they know how I feel at the polls and by writing to my representatives.
Our country was founded on the principal that all people are created equal. (See the Declaration of Independence, 1776.) It is a land of opportunity where everyone has the freedom to practice the religion of their choice.
Constitution of the United States: Amendment I (1791)
“Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the government for a redress of grievances.”
At least that’s how it’s supposed to work. Our constitution clearly states a separation of church and state, but some religious zealots are trying to change that. It’s frightening to watch. Now, more than ever, it is vital that all eligible Americans vote in the coming presidential election. Our democracy is in danger of being destroyed.
Am I thrilled with choice of the candidates this year? No, but at least one of them has shown a clear disregard for our constitution, the rule of law, and has demonstrated an affection for dictators over our allies. This same individual has pandered to extremists, racists, and shown a lack of respect for women. He called the bigots who waved guns and drove into a crowd of peaceful counter protesters good people, and the radicals who participated in the violent assault on our capital four years ago patriots. He sees himself as above the law. When things don’t go his way, he complains that things were rigged, calls people disparaging names like a schoolyard bully, and makes up whatever pseudo-facts suit him without any evidence to back them up.
The other major candidate, has demonstrated integrity and support of our constitution. He has stood up to dictators, supported our allies, and allowed our judicial system to do its job without interference. When his son was convicted, he accepted the outcome with grace. He didn’t question the validity of the court’s decision or resort to tantrums and name calling. Has he made mistakes? Of course. No one is infallible. That’s why we have checks and balances built into our government. But at least he tries to do what is best for this country and all its people, not just a select few.
We are a country made up of many different people and cultures. This diversity is what has made us strong. When we work together, amazing things happen. When we don’t, well, bad things happen.
I am a third generation American with eastern European roots. There are some citizens here who consider themselves pure Americans, better than the people who travel miles, through many hardships to reach this country, but unless they are descended from one of the first nations, they are immigrants or descended from them.
Today I started my fourth of July celebration with huevos con chorizo. (eggs with chorizo sausage, a traditional Mexican breakfast) Tonight we will grill Mediterranean inspired seasoned lamb, roasted eggplant with garlic, and tabbouleh salad. (Tabbouleh is from the Middle East.) Later I’ll have some peach cobbler and watch fireworks.
Have a safe and happy Independence Day and embrace our wonderful diversity
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When Will It End?
It will not end until we stand up and say
“NO MORE.”
Check out this article by Charles French.
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THANK YOU
A friend of mine recently posted his dismay at all the negativity that has popped up on the news, Facebook and other social media. Instead of posting pictures of cute puppies and kittens like a few folks have done, I’d like to take a moment to thank some people for the work they do every day. While we see some of these folks on a daily basis, many work behind the scenes and aren’t noticed.
To all our armed forces who risk their lives to keep America safe: Thank You
To all our first responder who protect the innocent, uphold our laws, rescue lives, extinguish fires, and heal our injured: Thank You
To all the doctors and nurses who work long hours to help us get well and heal: Thank You
To all the teacher s who share their love of knowledge with our children, the future leaders of this country: Thank You
To the people who rise early in the morning to collect our trash and recyclables: Thank You
To people who repair and build our roads in sweltering heat and frigid cold: Thank You
To our postal carriers who brave all sorts of weather to deliver our mail: Thank You
To all our public servants who work behind the scenes to keep this country running: Thank You
To the innumerable volunteers who step up in more ways than can be counted everyday: Thank You
I’m sure I’ve missed a few. Take a moment to think of all the people you pass by every day.
Who would you like to thank?
