Since November, 2004, when the
Bryan-College Station Eagle endorsed neither Bush nor Kerry for the presidential race, I have occasionally checked out the editorial section. Our community is hyper-conservative...George H.W. Bush's library is here at Texas A&M University, the county voted something like 75/25 in favor of the gay marriage ban last month, and you can count the elected Democratic official's on one hand.
However, in today's Eagle, an editorial admonishing the current administration is the most scathing rebuke of policy I have seen. I've included snippets below, and a link to the editorial itself. I have not included as much as the editorial as I'd like (I'm wary of copyright restrictions) but I believe Mr. Borden writes succinctly about why anyone, not just progressives, should be worried about the course this administration has chosen.
Full editorial
By Robert Borden
Eagle Columnist
I do solemnly swear (or affirm) that I will faithfully execute the office of President of the United States, and will to the best of my ability, preserve, protect, and defend the Constitution of the United States.
- Article II, Section 1, Constitution of the United States
Twice, George W. Bush has placed his hand on the Bible and taken that oath of office. The last time he did, we now know, he did not tell the truth.
By authorizing our nation's National Security Agency to spy on some American citizens without any oversight whatsoever, the president has made a mockery of the oath he took to uphold our most basic freedoms.
It isn't enough for Bush to say we must trust him because he's the president and he knows what's best. It isn't enough for him to say we are safer because of such surveillance. How do we know? Why should we trust George Bush or any president who values our civil liberties so cavalierly?
A few years ago, Americans - some Americans - were all atwitter about Bill Clinton's private - and appalling - sex life. Now, those same Americans sit silently as a different president has his way with the Constitution.
How amazing.
How frightening.
How frightening indeed. I commend Mr. Borden for his courage in writing this editorial, and I can only imagine what letters to the editor his stance will bring. If you feel so inclined, read the entire editorial and even you are even more inclined, send him an email to support his stance.