Re: The beauty of democracy

[CMNewell <reshan@deyr.ultranet.com>]

At 04:42 PM 9/17/01 -0400, you wrote:
>Are we comparing Samuel Adams, Brits, and the Boston massacre to what is
>going on now??  OK, friends, enlighten me...

Beth, take your finger off the exclamation key, take a deep breath, and 
read what I'm writing.
The primary difference between a civilized society and terrorists is the 
rule of law.
The Adams cousins realized this; I'm saying we should too.

If we respond on a visceral rather than a rational level, they have won. 
We'll all be in the sewer together, morally speaking.

OTOH, if we take the SOB, give him a fair trial, showing the evidence 
against him, and, if he is found guilty, terminate his ass, we  remain  a 
civilized society.


>earth....course then they will hit everyone that believes in...free
>speach...

And the post that inspired my musings on the Adams family  was one which 
urged that a person advocating reasonable action be tried for treason.  The 
first amendment is there to protect unpopular speech. Popular speech needs 
no such guardian. An alleged defender of America, however, seems to feel 
that it can be thrown out in the interests of  "team spirit".
I disagree.

>rights to work job of your choice...to marry who you wish...free
>religion...wear clothing of your choice...etc.


Keep that in mind the next time you see a woman in a hijab, and don't 
threaten her or spit on her as some of our fellow citizens seem to think is 
appropriate.

I like to think we as a nation are better than the monsters that committed 
these atrocities. I sure hope so.

The best way to kill a rabid dog is not, however, by foaming at the mouth.
                    --CMNewell