to blaster, pbx, and all our military players/families

[firebrand]

FREEDOM ISN'T FREE

Hooray for this Teacher! Too bad there aren't more like her.

Back in September of 2005, on the first day of school, Martha Cothren, a
social studies school teacher at Robinson High School in Little Rock, did
something not to be forgotten.

On the first day of school, with permission of the school superintendent,
the principal and the building supervisor, she took all of the desks out of
the classroom.

The kids came into first period and there were no desks. They obviously
looked around and said, "Ms. Cothren, where's our desk?" And she said,
"You can't have a desk until you tell me how you earn them."

They thought, "Well, maybe it's our grades."

"No," she said.

"Maybe it's our behavior."

And she told them, "No, it's not even your behavior."

And so they came and went in the first period, still no desks in the classroom. Second period, same thing, third period too. By early afternoon television news crews had gathered in Ms. Cothren's class to find out about this crazy teacher who had taken all the desks out of the classroom.

The last period of the day, Martha Cothren gathered her class. They were at this time sitting on the floor around the sides of the room. And she says, "Throughout the day no one has really understood how you earn the desks that sit in this classroom ordinarily." She said, "Now I'm going to tell you."

Martha Cothren went over to the door of her classroom and opened it, and as she did 27 U.S. veterans, wearing their uniforms, walked into that
classroom, each one carrying a school desk. And they placed those school
desks in rows, and then they stood along the wall. And by the time they had finished placing those desks, those kids, for the first time I think
perhaps in their lives, understood how they earned those desks.

Martha said, "You don't have to earn those desks. These guys did it for
you. They put them out there for you, but it's up to you to sit here
responsibly to learn, to be good students and good citizens, because they
paid a price for you to have that desk, and don't ever forget it."

Friends, I think sometimes we forget that the freedoms that we have are
freedoms not because of celebrities. The freedoms are because of ordinary people who did extraordinary things, who loved this country more than life itself, and who not only earned a school desk for a kid at the Robinson High School in Little Rock, but who earned a seat for you and me to enjoy this great land we call home, this wonderful nation that we better love enough to protect and preserve with the kind of conservative, solid values and principles that made us a great nation.

"We live in the Land of the Free because of the brave."

Please remember our Troops!

[Aeolus]

Thanks for the post. As an active duty service member getting ready to deploy, I appreciate it. Oh, and some of you may be like me and like to check the validity of stories like these. Not that Firebrand would post it without checking. But the story is true. At least according to Snopes.com

[url=http://www.snopes.com/glurge/nodesks.asp:2jd6q6kq]Link[/url:2jd6q6kq]

[*juggleblood*]

First:
The freedom of US citizens was not won by fighting unwinnable campaigns in distant countries. As an Army Vet I offer sincere sympathy to those caught up in this mess. And I also will point out that soldiers don't fight for their country, they fight for each other because they just want to come home to their families in one piece. I'm not going to thank someone for fighting an unwinnable, counterproductive conflict that I have opposed since day one. The best we can say to those deploying is keep your head low and don't try to be a hero. You are a pawn in a political disaster. If you are a female soldier, now is a good time to think about getting pregnant.
Second:
We aren't quite as free as you make us out to be. It seems odd to praise our freedom at a point in history when our freedom is under such a sustained assault by our own government. Don't mistake availabilty of cheap manufactured goods for political freedom.

and now, a word from our sponsors

George W. on Politcal Parties:
Political parties are likely, in the course of time and things, to become potent engines, by which cunning, ambitious, and unprincipled men will be enabled to subvert the power of the people, and to usurp for themselves the reins of government; destroying afterwards the very engines, which have lifted them to unjust dominion."

George W. on Freedom:
It is important, likewise, that the habits of thinking in a free country should inspire caution in those intrusted with its administration to confine themselves within their respective constitutional spheres, avoiding in the exercise of the powers of one department to encroach upon another. The spirit of encroachment tends to consolidate the powers of all the departments in one, and thus to create, whatever the form of government, a real despotism.... If in the opinion of the people the distribution or modification of the constitutional powers be in any particular wrong, let it be corrected by an amendment in the way which the Constitution designates. But let there be no change by usurpation; for though this in one instance may be the instrument of good, it is the customary weapon by which free governments are destroyed. The precedent must always greatly overbalance in permanent evil any partial or transient benefit which the use can at any time yield.

George W. on Foreign Wars:
Against the insidious wiles of foreign influence (I conjure you to believe me, fellow-citizens) the jealousy of a free people ought to be constantly awake, since history and experience prove that foreign influence is one of the most baneful foes of republican government. But that jealousy, to be useful, must be impartial, else it becomes the instrument of the very influence to be avoided, instead of a defense against it. Excessive partiality for one foreign nation and excessive dislike of another cause those whom they actuate to see danger only on one side, and serve to veil and even second the arts of influence on the other. Real patriots who may resist the intrigues of the favorite are liable to become suspected and odious, while its tools and dupes usurp the applause and confidence of the people to surrender their interests.

The great rule of conduct for us in regard to foreign nations is, in extending our commercial relations to have with them as little political connection as possible. So far as we have already formed engagements let them be fulfilled with perfect good faith. Here let us stop.

Dwight Eisenhower on The Miltary Industrial Complex:
This conjunction of an immense military establishment and a large arms industry is new in the American experience. The total influence -- economic, political, even spiritual -- is felt in every city, every State house, every office of the Federal government. We recognize the imperative need for this development. Yet we must not fail to comprehend its grave implications. Our toil, resources and livelihood are all involved; so is the very structure of our society.

In the councils of government, we must guard against the acquisition of unwarranted influence, whether sought or unsought, by the militaryindustrial complex. The potential for the disastrous rise of misplaced power exists and will persist.

[Weasel]

Fortunately you have the freedom to express your defeatist opinion without getting arrested, tortured and / or killed for treason, along with your entire family. Maybe you should think about that for a moment. Yes our freedoms are under assault - that is a direct result of the actions of extremist groups who want nothing more than see the US go down in flames, it is not the result of some nefarious plot by the US government to control you, much as you apparently want to believe. The US have taken this battle to the doorstep of those who wish to end us rather than wait for them to bring it to our doorstep - and it's a sure thing that if the US didn't act then those who resent our freedoms would have bought that battle to US soil instead, as they already have attempted to do a number of times.

There was a time in US history when remarks such as yours would have earned you a white feather and public shame and condemnation. Be thankful you today have the freedom to say what you think without fear of recrimination, and understand that even fighting an uphill battle is better than laying down and doing nothing.

Funny thing is, many of the anti-war proponent today are the same people who were screaming for blood because the US govt didn't act sooner / pro-actively to prevent 911. Strangely enough Bush got the blame for that, even though he inherited that misjudgment from Clinton. Now the same people are screaming for blood because he did act. I sometimes think it wouldn't matter what the hell the govt does, there are some people who will criticize it regardless. Perhaps you should go live somewhere else if you don't appreciate what the US has to offer you.

[brady]

I would like to nominate Borat for president and Rub, the Secretary of the Asshole.

[13]

I have to disagree weasel. Our freedom is in direct danger because our government needs to be needed. You can choose not to believe in the "nefarious plot by the gov't" or whatever you want to call it, but that doesn't make it not real. And whether you believe it or not our rights are slipping through our fingers every day. This is a direct result of
A: the people being fat and complacent and
B: letting bankers make the money

Did anyone see the Gonzales hearings or were you too busy paying attention to the Virginia shooting incident? There is a history of deceit and misdirection just like that. I'm glad you believe in voicing your opinion and standing up about it, but can you deny that the US Gov't is changing the definition of 'terrorism'?

[Malison]

Certainly there are people who will criticize whatever the government does. But just because they're critics doesn't make them wrong. We've got the freedom to criticize whatever we want, but the moment anyone starts acting to make a change, they get a one-way ticket to a jail cell stamped with the word "treason." The US steps on people trying to make a change just as thorougly as dictators like Saddam Hussein did.

And it's bull to say people attack us because they resent our freedoms. If you can do something I can't, I'm not going to blow up your house. It's this ridiculous attitude that America needs to be everyone's big brother that makes them attack us. We keep sticking our noses in everyone else's business, that's the true reason people hate us.


And as a side note, I am thankful for each of the soldiers who's out there fighting for my protection. It's when they get sent on stupid campaigns that pisses me off.

[firebrand]

[quote="Malison":3qltwc5p]And as a side note, I am thankful for each of the soldiers who's out there fighting for my protection. It's when they get sent on stupid campaigns that pisses me off.[/quote:3qltwc5p]

i agree. i am not thanking the government for needlessly killing our soldiers. i am thanking the men and women who every day go out there and give it their all because they are the reason we still have the freedom to speak out against our government. i don't need agree with how its done (or why) to thank and appreciate our soldiers efforts.


"the only time you should start worrying about a soldier is when they stop bitchin'" -- lt. col. gordon tall -->the thin red line

[*juggleblood*]

[quote="Weasel":20x4903v]:roll:
There was a time in US history when remarks such as yours would have earned you a white feather and public shame and condemnation. [/quote:20x4903v]

I'm claiming, rightly or wrongly that Washington and Eisenhower would agree with my position. You disagree?

[quote="Weasel":20x4903v]
Perhaps you should go live somewhere else if you don't appreciate what the US has to offer you.[/quote:20x4903v]

Leaving the country because its becoming corrupted would be the defeatist point of view--that the government can't be saved from itself. I, however, think it's still redeemable.

I'm hardly a leftist or a conspiracy theorist. I'm a veteran, a teacher, and a student of the Modern Middle East. If you want to attack my opinion you should do so in a more informed manner.

Please don't paint straw targets. If you want to become more aware of my position on things, you can starting reading www.juancole.com. I love this guy.
www.juancole.com

[alias]

Just my 1 cent cause Im too dumb to have 2 cents worth of opnion. Those of you who think we have the freedom to say what you want, I say your wrong. People are quieted, killed, some dissapear, some have a quick change of heart. If you speak loud enough and ill enough you will soon find we do not have the freedoms you think we have.

Everything is about misdirection and money, People from Afganistan crashed into the 2 towers, (read the 9/11 commission report) noone from Iraq had anything to do w/ it. Well we didn't get done what was right in Afganastin so what the hell, declare war on Iraq. Guess what this one isnt going well so look out Syria or Iran. I totally agree we should have gone into Afganistan, I totally agree that Saddam is a bad person and needed to be removed. I totally disagree that we should have declared war on Iraq and caused thousands of Our troops to lose their lives for nothing.

"It's amazing I won. I was running against peace, prosperity, and incumbency." —George W. Bush, June 14, 2001, speaking to Swedish Prime Minister Goran Perrson, unaware that a live television camera was still rolling.

"You know, one of the hardest parts of my job is to connect Iraq to the war on terror." --George W. Bush, interview with CBS News' Katie Couric, Sept. 6, 2006


Religion and politics are things you usually dont change anyones mind about, so I dont expect to change your mind. This may still be the best country in the world to live in, but its definately not free.

My prayers go out to the troops both who have served and those how have yet to serve, I wish you best of luck and upmost safety.

I cant say that for the current administration.

Btw anyone seen Bin Ladin yet? damn we sure got Saddam fast, hmm
I guess a man over 6' tall who is on dialysis is hard to track down now.
Funny how before we invaded Afganistan we could track Bin Ladin by his watch via Sattelite and now you don't even hear about him.


Those who would give up essential Liberty, to purchase a little temporary Safety, deserve neither Liberty nor Safety." Ben Franklin

"Only a virtuous people are capable of freedom. As nations become more corrupt and vicious, they have more need of masters." Ben Franklin

"The spirit of resistance to government is so valuable on certain occasions, that I wish it always to be kept alive." Thomas Jefferson

The government is corrupt and has been for a long time, I dont think it will be changed in my lifetime but I can always hope.

Think about it why would anyone try to raise and spend millions of dollars for a 400k a year job.

Sorry for ranting,

Good luck troops

I paid for the damn desks ( my school corp get 1200 dollars a year from me and I have no kids.)

"The only way we can win is to leave before the job is done." --George W. Bush, Greeley, Colo., Nov. 4, 2006

and last but not least when elections roll around Vote (even if you vote for the bad guys)


Alias

[Weasel]

[deleted] - not going down this road again, sorry.

[Hades]

Flame on!

The ones who cry out about losing our freedoms are the same ones chomping at the bit for us to lose them. It makes one wanna puke at the leftist B.S. that constantly flood the airwaves and the like. Sure, you have the "right" to spread lies and gossip b.s. but admit being Anti-American when you do so. I don't want you leaving the country, I want you right here where I can keep my eye on your punk-ass. No one forces our troops to enroll... they aren't forced into battle with pre-knowledge that retreat would involving landmines set by our own country to kill them. I think anyone who decides to enlist with the possibility of going into battle is a hero whether they do so or not. This " not being a hero and trying to keep your head low " b.s. that jugglepunk wrote is prime example of someone who is exercising their right to undermine the very fabric of American society. It's assholes like him that should be garnered attention, unfortunately, he is an example of many "Americans" who in fact want to be "French" that is.. bend over foward and take it deep. Then slink away with tails between their legs and smug look as they brag about 'making it'


<insert puke here>


13 writes:
Did anyone see the Gonzales hearings or were you too busy paying attention to the Virginia shooting incident? There is a history of deceit and misdirection just like that. I'm glad you believe in voicing your opinion and standing up about it, but can you deny that the US Gov't is changing the definition of 'terrorism'?

Yep..yet it was ok for Clinton to fire over 54 judges with nair a hiccup. Pot calling the kettle black.

Brady writes:
I would like to nominate Borat for president and Rub, the Secretary of the Asshole.

I second that

[Malison]

Anyone who would say that someone speaking against current American policy is "Anti-American" like that clearly is as blinded by propaganda as the average German under the Nazi regime. There's a clear difference between spreading lies and bringing to light things that the government tries to silence.

It is true no one forces our troops to enlist...anymore. But to imagine that every soldier enlists with the intention of having their life thrown away... To say the best advice to give a soldier is to stay alive is just common sense. If you die a hero, you're dead. You can't do anything else for your country. Nobody said anything about running away, just about not wasting lives.

If being American means being blind to reason and imagining you're invincible, infallible, and omniscient as fools like Hades would pretend, then I'm moving to Russia. At least people there know how to think for themselves.

[van]

Hades,

As a matter of policy I wouldn't bother responding to your asinine posting. But what the hell, it's Friday!

Here then, is another "leftie flooding the airwaves". If only I had the reach of a conservative radio host... For your reading pleasure, my rant is separated into convenient sections. Disclaimer: typos and poor sentence structure are the fault of the reader, not the author.

I look forward to inevitable flaming, and will probably remember why I don't bother to insert myself into these ridiculous conversations.

See you in the desert!
-Patrick

A Sidebar on US Attorneys
-------------------------------

It has been common procedure for EVERY incoming president to fire virtually all the political appointees in the Department of Justice upon assuming office. The odd thing here is that Bush kept so many on when he assumped office in 2001. Yes, Clinton asked for the resignation of many US Attorneys. So did Bush Sr before him. And Reagan. And ... you get the picture.

What Clinton (and his Republican predecessors) did NOT do was fire attorneys for not being "loyal Bushies" during their tenure and after being involved in cases/investigations that were embarrassing to this administration. What Clinton et al did NOT do is fire highly competent attorneys solely for the purpose of installing incompetent party hacks in their place. What Bush DID was deliberately knock down the barrier (established by Clinton under strong pressure from Congressional Republicans) that prevented the DoJ from becoming a political wing of the White House. What Bush DID is attempt to USE the DoJ as just such an arm, and if you paid any attention to the hearings, you'll notice that some of the harshest criticism came from very conservative Republican Senators who served with distinction as prosecutors with the DoJ.

In short, before you start spouting inane comments and insinuations again, please check your facts.

On the US military and Supporting Our Troops (tm):
------------------------------------------------------------

You (and many other people) seem to confuse our elected officials with our nation itself. Loyalty to our country does not entail mindless loyalty to the people temporarily wielding power in a democratic society. It certainly does not require supporting incompetent hacks who are doing their damnedest to run this country into the ground. Loyalty to our country means defending the PRINCIPLES of our country, and supporting those elements of our country that keep our society alive and well.

One of those elements is a proud, honorable, and valiant military.

When our troops are sent into an unjust war based on lies, when our troops are not adequately supplied, when new recruits are sent out with proper training, when our troops are used to implement hateful policies of torture and human rights abuse, when our troops are denied medical care for wounds they suffered in service to our country, when our veterans are forgotten and discarded, a lot of people get very mad. Unlike you, who seems to think that it's Just Fine. And also unlike you, instead of passing it off with another blind wave of the flag and telling anyone who doesn't like it to go to another country, we try to change things. We complain, we criticize, we try to point out what's happening, we FIGHT BACK because we think that what this administration is doing to our troops is criminal.

On Leaving No Right Behind:
---------------------------------

Let's be very clear on one thing: we don't have any "rights" at all. What we do have is a legal framework designed to blunt the excesses of those in power. Freedom of speech and assembly, access to attorneys, speedy trials, habeas corpus, etc. were GIVEN to us by people with direct experience of the horrible things that can happen when too much power accumulates in one place. MOST IMPORTANT: What has been given to us can be taken away just as easily. And this is why we "lefties" (and a large number of "righties") are so infuriated by what this administration has done to "the very fabric of our country" for the sole purpose of consolidating power in the executive branch. Look up the term "unitary executive", and you'll get a better idea of what I'm talking about.

Bluntly: the "rights" we have were won through struggle and suffering. They are now under systematic attack, and it is not treasonous or disloyal to point that out and attempt to defend what was so dearly paid for.

On Freedom of Speech and Criticizing Our Leaders:
-----------------------------------------------------------

Our country, our legal system, our framework for society was built by people deeply unhappy with the actions of their government. They did it through revolution and violence a few centuries ago -- because of their conviction, we are able to do it through speech, political organization, and the judicial process. I might add also that there were plenty of people at the time insisting that Britain was doing a fine job and we should just trust our leaders without question.

We criticize and keep a watchful eye on those in power because if we don't, that power will be abused. As it has been, is now, and will for as long as the human race survives.

On Thoughtful and Civil Debate:
-------------------------------------

Gratuitously insulting people's intelligence and integrity really gets you nowhere. You fatuous idiot.

On Nothing Really at All:
----------------------------

Just as a random side note, I'd really like to see the GOP pull its head out of the ass of the Religious Right and field some thoughtful, intelligent candidates. I'd also like to see the Democrats field more forceful candidates less concerned with triangulating their position in the polls than with formulating good policy. Neither one is likely to happen.

[Weasel]

WASHINGTON - Senator Joe Lieberman, earlier today:

Al Qaeda's strategy for victory in Iraq is clear. They are trying to murder as many innocent civilians as possible in an effort to reignite sectarian fighting and drive us to retreat from Iraq.

The question now before us is whether we respond to these terrorist attacks by running away as Al Qaeda hopes - abandoning the future of Iraq, the Middle East, and ultimately our own security to the very same people responsible for this week's atrocities - or whether we stand united to fight them.