Pontification
OK, OK, now what?
The Dems have control and what to do with it? What would be the first act of a Democratic Congress? I immediately heard several ideas floated and touted; one being a raise in the minimum wage, supported by the Democrats and several more of the loyal opposition.
But it would probably be a needlessly contentious choice. On the surface, it's all about us, once again. Bush might veto such a measure, putting his party in a tricky position with the populace.
Might I suggest a move than would symbolize the Democratic position and send a message to our enemies in terrorism recruitment? The Congress should immediately look into our policies at Gitmo, Abu Ghraib; our policies concerning torture, the suspension of habeas corpus, and the eavesdropping of the government on its citizens. Perhaps we should initiate debate on the concept that the Constitution only protects US citizens. Isn't this magnificent document well designed enough to cover other human beings? What rights does it bestow that threaten us so much as to require their retraction from foreigners? Let's demonstrate to the world that we DO value the rule of law here in this country. Our export of Freedom would gain so much credence in the eyes of the world if we were to honor our commitment to them. Why have we spent our effort in Iraq implying that Democracy is so much more important than Freedom?
I think a move like that would send a signal "to friend and foe alike" that we, as a nation, will adhere to the principles that we demand of others. That we truly will ascribe to the moral high ground and hold ourselves accountable to the requirements of a free society.
The Dems have control and what to do with it? What would be the first act of a Democratic Congress? I immediately heard several ideas floated and touted; one being a raise in the minimum wage, supported by the Democrats and several more of the loyal opposition.
But it would probably be a needlessly contentious choice. On the surface, it's all about us, once again. Bush might veto such a measure, putting his party in a tricky position with the populace.
Might I suggest a move than would symbolize the Democratic position and send a message to our enemies in terrorism recruitment? The Congress should immediately look into our policies at Gitmo, Abu Ghraib; our policies concerning torture, the suspension of habeas corpus, and the eavesdropping of the government on its citizens. Perhaps we should initiate debate on the concept that the Constitution only protects US citizens. Isn't this magnificent document well designed enough to cover other human beings? What rights does it bestow that threaten us so much as to require their retraction from foreigners? Let's demonstrate to the world that we DO value the rule of law here in this country. Our export of Freedom would gain so much credence in the eyes of the world if we were to honor our commitment to them. Why have we spent our effort in Iraq implying that Democracy is so much more important than Freedom?
I think a move like that would send a signal "to friend and foe alike" that we, as a nation, will adhere to the principles that we demand of others. That we truly will ascribe to the moral high ground and hold ourselves accountable to the requirements of a free society.