There Is No Theocracy In America

America is a democracy.  Regardless of what any religious organization wants to believe, we are not a theocracy and it is the duty of our elected leaders to try and do their best to look out for the best interests of the nation as a whole, not just the Catholic or Christians or Jews or Muslims.  So when Archbishop Raymond Burke, who is the prefect of the Apostolic Signatura, the Vatican’s highest court comes forward to announce to the world that President Obama’s scheduled appearance at the University of Notre Dame is scandalous then it is time for him to remember that the President of the United States does not serve the Vatican, he serves the people of the United States of America.  All of them, regardless of race or religion.

I’m not singling out the Catholic Church but this is not the first time that the representative of a major religion has forgotten themselves and made it seem that our president is somehow obligated to serve their agenda.  Remember that our country allows people of all faiths and beliefs to practice openly and without fear of reprisal from the federal government.  Granted, we have not always handled this in the best of ways but for the most part it doesn’t matter what faith you believe in.  Archbishop Raymond Burke does not like some of President Obama’s recent decisions and feels that they go against what the Vatican supports but I don’t see this as a legitimate reason to prevent him from speaking at Notre Dame.  Isn’t college a place where young minds go to be exposed to a plethora of new ideas?  And if someone is a devoted Catholic then simply having the president give a speech isn’t going to corrupt them.

The bottom line is this, I am opposed to any group or individual that makes it their agenda to try and change this country from a somewhat free democracy into a country where every citizen is forced to follow the beliefs of those in power.

Blog Lightly Or Face Imprisonment

Representative Linda Sanchez, a Democrat from Los Angeles has introduced the Megan Meier Cyberbullying Prevention Act which is being spun and marketed as a way of defending our youth from cyberbullying.  Not unlike the Patriot Act, it is yet another attempt to strip away our right to free speech by masquerading as legislation that is supposed to do one thing yet gives the government the power to do so much more.

Here’s what H.R. 1966 says:

(a) Whoever transmits in interstate or foreign commerce any communication, with the intent to coerce, intimidate, harass or cause substantial emotional distress to a person, using electronic means to support severe, repeated and hostile behavior, shall be fined under this title or imprisoned not more than two years, or both.

(b) As used in this section —

(1) the term ‘communication’ means the electronic transmission, between or among points specified by the user, of information of the user’s choosing, without change in the form or content of the information as sent and received; and

(2) the term ‘electronic means’ means any equipment dependent on electrical power to access an information service, including e-mail, instant messaging, blogs, websites, telephones and text messages.

There is a lot of room for interpretation there.  So if I were to make a critical comment about a politician or other public figure then according to part (a) from above, it is quite possible I’d find myself running afoul of this law.  Even if I were not making any physical threats it is easy to see how the language of this bill is written so as to make it appear that if someone made a less than flattering comment or stated opposition to something that someone else said then that individual could claim “substantial emotional distress”.

I am hoping that this bill is nothing more than a way for Rep. Linda Sanchez to garner some free publicity but if not, then I urge all of you to vehemently oppose this legislation from ever becoming law.  It is dangerous and there is too much room for abuse.

Sleepy Girl In Washington

Its all good.  Hilary didn’t lie about being in a combat zone under sniper fire.

It seems that she was merely a sleepy little girl who misspoke the facts when she recounted her trip as first lady.  Of course, she didn’t attempt to retract her statements until the media was filled with differing accounts of the scene from others who were with her.

Understandably she had to say something to cover her ass but is it wise to tell the voting public that the reason you gave an inaccurate accounting of the facts was due to be too tired?

What happens during that 3am phone call if you give the wrong orders because you were too fatigued?  Ouch.

Richardson Backs Obama In Portland

Today, here in Portland, Governor Bill Richardson announced his full support of Senator Barack Obama.  I applaud Richardson for taking a positive step to try and rally the Democratic Party around a single candidate rather than keep up with the divisiveness.

Governor Richardson was candid about his personal relationship with the Clintons but made it clear that Barack Obama is the candidate best suited to lead us in this next phase of our country’s history.  It was a fantastic engagement and both Barack Obama and Bill Richardson made a good case for voting Obama into the White House in November.

McCain Goes To War

Are the American people so ignorant as to believe that John McCain has little hesitation to expand our current wars into Iran?  He mistakingly told the press that Iran was training Al Qaida.  Granted, it may have been a simple error but I believe that it shows us what is already in his mind.  A desire to wage war against Iran.

The man seems just as much enchanted with war as George Bush, if not more so.

Forget about any problems that need to be addressed within our own borders, this old fool needs the glory of combat.  People, are you that blind and ignorant that you are seriously considering casting a vote for John McCain?

Do you hate Hilary Clinton that much?  Cut off your nose to spite the face?  Do you fear Barack Obama more than another prolonged war overseas?

The facts speak for themselves.  John McCain wants war, needs war, will expand the war.  Wake up.