We have long discussed the erosion of civil liberties in the United States, including the attacks on privacy and other rights by the Obama Administration. It appears that we are not alone in those concerns. A new Gallup poll shows a record drop in the satisfaction of Americans over their freedoms. The massive drop is matched in such countries as Egypt, Pakistan, and Venezuela.
Seventy-nine percent of US residents are satisfied with their level of freedom. That is down from 91 percent in 2006 — a 12 point drop. We were once the highest country in the world on such polls. We have now dropped to 36th place.
That mirrors other studies showing the United States dropping to the same low levels on press freedoms, Internet speech, and other rights.
The White House has been adept in deflecting such criticism with a host of commentators and bloggers who deflect criticism with references to Republicans and the “red menace” or “things could be worse” spin or simply change the subject. However, the expansion of the internal security network in the United States and police powers is obviously having an impact on how Americans now view their rights. Years ago, I wrote a column entitled “10 Reasons Why The United States Is No Longer The Land of The Free.” Things have only grown worse since that column ran. The Obama Administration’s recent effort to strip citizens of privacy protections over their cellphones and records illustrates the extremism of some of these positions. That argument failed to secure a single vote on the Supreme Court for the Administration’s effort to blow a hole in American privacy protections.
The poll on the eve of the Fourth of July captures the dire condition of American civil liberties today. As I wrote years ago, Obama has been a disaster for the American civil liberties movement and the damage done under his tenure will be felt for decades. What is most distressing is that citizens see the decline but feel virtually powerless to do anything about it due to the duopoly of power in this country. Even with universal calls for change, the two parties are again recycling many of the same figures and same policies as prior years. Polls of this kind show a deep sense of dissatisfaction among Americans but also a complete lack of expression of those views through political channels. That is a dangerous situation for any political system when such widespread feelings are left unexpressed and unvented in politics. The political system seems to be operating in an increasingly unconnected and unresponsive fashion vis-a-vis the public at large. There is a sense among many that I speak to that there is a ruling elite and a vast body of the ruled — a modern equivalent to the helot class of ancient Sparta.
I am still amazed that we have come to this point of rapidly declining feelings of freedom and widespread dissociation with our political system. It is not the failure of our constitutional system and only partially the failure of our leaders. It is largely a failure in ourselves that we have become such grumbling drones — powerless, passive, and frankly a bit pathetic. Our government is openly trying to strip away core privacy protections and increase police powers at every level. Yet, we have fallen victim to the “blue state” and “red state” mentality — allowing politicians to constantly deflect criticism by referring to the other side as the greater evil. The result is predictable and, as with this poll, incredibly depressing.
Paul,
So… Obama is a war criminal and Bush Cheney aren’t?! Things keep getting stranger and stranger.
Annie – technically I am not sure either are.
Paul C. Schulte:
I have read all of Eric’s comments on the war in Iraq. Although I do not pretend to be the sharpest tool in the toolbox, I have practiced law long enough to recognize legal doublespeak when I see it. And that is precisely what Eric has engaged in through thousands of words.
The legitimacy of a decision to commit this country to war is not predicated on UN resolutions. It’s as simple as that.
Mike – what Eric has supplied is enough for the UN. Actually, there is a new story coming out of the East that says that claiming that Bush/Cheney, et al are war criminals is all part of the continuation of the old Soviet disinformation campaign. Putin has never forgotten his KGB roots and many of the old Soviets are just retooling to get back in power.
The sky is falling!
Oh what should we do?!
Crickets.
Don’t worry.
“Things could be worse.”
Paul: “BTW, the war was over the failure to live up to the dictates of the UN resolutions.”
The Bush administration defrauded the country into war causing the deaths of over 4,500 U.S. soldiers.
Deaths resulting from implied malice.
Bob, Esq – You and I and Eric have gone over and over this. 🙂 I am not going to rehash it with you.
However, you could define ‘implied malice’ for me.
Supporting the use of torture and extraordinary rendition;
Suspending habeas corpus without the existence of insurrection or rebellion;
Carrying out a policy of warrantless wiretapping as if the 4th Amendment did not exist;
Issuing executive orders authorizing the extrajudicial execution of American citizens…
But don’t worry.
“Things could be worse.”
And so was Woodrow Wilson signed the Federal Reserve Act into law.
FDR was a war criminal if you use the same criteria used at Nuremberg,
From George Bush 41 onward ALL US presidents are war criminals and traitors.
Paul C. Schulte
mespo – SWAT teams, arming government agencies, refusing to deal with Congress, executive orders, more employment in the federal government, control of our health care. You do not find this facistic?
Are you talking about George W. Bush?
Homeland Security, Patriot Act, war over fake WMDs, mercenaries like Blackwater running military operations, torture, Guantanamo, executive orders (more than Obama), control of our healthcare like Medicare Part D, more workers in the federal govt……the list goes on. Americans have this difficult time with history; it always looks better in the rearview mirror….
Jamie – I was upset by Bush, but Obama has put it on steroids. The Dept of Agriculture is buying submachine guns. BTW, the war was over the failure to live up to the dictates of the UN resolutions. On executive orders Obama is only 5 1/2 years into his terms, I don’t think he will disappoint.
mespo727272
The differences you espouse are similarities in my view. You should seriously consider re-evaluating your thought process as I recommend to everyone, your views on this matter are myopic.
Neo:
I think they are different. One wants government to work, the other doesn’t. Both are whores but I think the Dems at least try to help others less fortunate. The Repubs make no such pretense. One appeals to powerful interests and the other just takes their money. They frequently and vehemently oppose each other. Hardly the hallmark of a fascist state.
mespo – as a group Republican contribute more to charity than do Democrats. How do you square that with your statement that “Dems at least try to help others less fortunate.?”
mespo727272
Do you honestly think there is a difference between Republicans and Democrats? Their perceived differences are all superficial. When you buy into the system you are easier to control.
Very good post Jill. You can see how important it is to the defense department (once again, the greater defense industry) that it can manipulate public perception and attitudes. Also is a good illustration of gov/business at its worst, no matter what party one decides to blind themselves under.
Annie:
I just freed his wisdom from the “Spam Ogre.”
Mespo, I meant Randyjet’s comments on other threads, I haven’t seen one on his thread yet.
Annie:
Look, he makes John look like a Cambridge don by comparison so let’s not run him off.
Neo:
Really? You think Obama is a dictator with unfettered authority? All power is centralized? You think the Repubs are oppressed?
Come on, we all like a little hyperbole, but truly Obama reminds you of Il Duce?
mespo – SWAT teams, arming government agencies, refusing to deal with Congress, executive orders, more employment in the federal government, control of our health care. You do not find this facistic?
Saucy, yes indeed. I noticed the very same thing about Jim’s mode of debate. Shampoo, rinse, repeat….
The United States is a corporation that has clearly become a Fascist state.
FASCISM: a political philosophy, movement, or regime (as that of the Fascisti) that exalts nation and often race above the individual and that stands for a centralized autocratic government headed by a dictatorial leader, severe economic and social regimentation, and forcible suppression of opposition.
http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/fascism
Initially, the privilege of incorporation was granted selectively to enable activities that benefited the public, such as construction of roads or canals. Enabling shareholders to profit was seen as a means to that end. The states also imposed conditions (some of which remain on the books, though unused) like these:
◾Corporate charters (licenses to exist) were granted for a limited time and could be revoked promptly for violating laws.
◾Corporations could engage only in activities necessary to fulfill their chartered purpose.
◾Corporations could not own stock in other corporations nor own any property that was not essential to fulfilling their chartered purpose.
◾Corporations were often terminated if they exceeded their authority or caused public harm.
◾Owners and managers were responsible for criminal acts committed on the job.
◾Corporations could not make any political or charitable contributions nor spend money to influence law-making.
http://reclaimdemocracy.org/corporate-accountability-history-corporations-us/