NPR has a story about a man and his son being barred from returning to the US. They are both U.S. citizens, the father is naturalized and the son was born here. They took an extended trip to Pakistan and while they were away, the father's cousin was arrested on terrorism charges. When they attempted to return the FBI said they had some passport problems, though the man's wife and daughter we able to return. When the followed up, they found they were on the no fly list and the FBI said they could not return until after a second interview and polygraph test. For refusing the test, they have been banned from returning home.
Now I'm not saying this man and his son are innocent, that is a matter for a jury. It would be, if they were charged with a crime, which they are not. They are US citizens and as such they have rights under the constitution. The 5th amendment gives all US citizens the right not to testify against one's self, and for the FBI to ignore this is unacceptable. If they have evidence, then charge them and allow them to stand trial. Otherwise, continue to watch them as the law allows.
I hope this is a wake up call to the readers who do not vote. Low voter turn outs take away the power of the people and allow governments to run unchecked as ours does now. If the majority stays silent, then the country is run by special interest groups and corporations who's influence grows with every non-vote. Do not think there is a magic barrier that prevents the US from becoming a police state - it is prevented by the people who vote.
The right to vote ... is the primary right by which other rights are protected – Thomas Paine
Those who stay away from the election think that one vote will do no good: 'Tis but one-step more to think one vote will do no harm. – Ralph Waldo Emerson
Posted By Mike On Wednesday, August 30, 2006
Filed under politics |
Comments (4)
Gabriel.
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Wednesday, August 30, 2006
8:53:25 PM
No doubt this is a dumb question, but what's the best way to find out information on local/local-ish upcoming elections? Not too long ago I saw a bunch of signs like "Vote Bob for Sheriff!" and when I asked at work about it it turned out that I had already missed the vote date.
Not only was I completely unaware of the voting dates, I was also ignorant of the candidates, the offices being voted upon, and even what issues various offices (such as Sheriff) would stand on.
And I'm still not sure how I would find that out. Perhaps it's best that way. Only people that are genuinely active and aware of their local government know to vote. Heh. Maybe not. ;)
On NPR last week they passively referred to "midterm elections", but didn't give details on what that meant. What /does/ that mean? Who is being elected? How would I read about the candidates and vote? =/
Mike
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Thursday, August 31, 2006
1:49:31 AM
State and Federal General elections are always the first Tuesday of November. County and City vary, but often will be the same. http://knoxcounty.org/election/ is the site you want to check out for the upcoming midterm election details - fill out and mail the registration form (or go to the DMV, but we know what that's like) soon, Oct 7th is the deadline to vote this Nov.
Midterm elections are the elections between presidential elections. I keep up with events mostly by the daily show and Colbert - and NPR on the drive to and from work. Closer to election time I Google the candidates.
Gabriel.
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Friday, September 01, 2006
3:24:21 PM
"Midterm elections are the elections between presidential elections."
What does that mean, other than the timestamp? What exactly do you vote for in midterm elections? vote for who should actually run for president? or?
Mike
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Friday, September 08, 2006
12:38:13 PM
One-third of the Senate is elected every two years (for a six year term), and the entire House is elected every two years (for two year terms). When the Congress elections fall on a year that is not a presidential election year (who serves four year terms), it is said to be a midterm election.
