As we approach Independence Day 2006, it's sad to tally
all the freedoms and civil rights that the Bush Administration has subtracted from the American landscape over the last six years. So, I'm encouraging all of you to send letters to your editors early next week, for publication on or before the 4th of July. In a vital election year, I think that a coordinated LTTE campaign can make a significant impact.
My letter is below the fold. Use it in full, in part, or draft your own. Post it on your individual blogs. Email it to your friends and family. Add ideas, or let us know that you're participating, in the comments section.
If you're inclined to recommend for greatest impact, I thank you in advance.
Dear Editor,
This Independence Day, my personal celebration is tempered by the many freedoms and civil rights that the Bush Administration has seen fit to either compromise or destroy.
On Independence Day six years ago, Americans could place a phone call or make a bank transaction without fear of illegal government wiretapping, eavesdropping, recording, monitoring or logging.
On Independence Day six years ago, voters weren't concerned with hanging chads or voter intimidation or suspicious vote-counting or illegal redistricting.
On Independence Day six years ago, we could have never guessed that media and public opinion would be manipulated to a case for an unnecessary war. On Independence Day six years ago, 2500 American soldiers were still alive, and another 20,000 were uninjured.
On Independence Day six years and 750 "signing statements" ago, we trusted our government to obey the laws of Congress, instead of cherry-picking legislation that best suited a political agenda.
On Independence Day six years ago, states weren't writing discrimination into their Constitutions in order to further isolate gays and lesbians as second-class citizens.
On Independence Day six years ago, the United States wasn't torturing prisoners of war, killing civilians in foreign countries, or indefinitely detaining terror suspects while denying their day in court.
On Independence Day six years ago, no one was trying to rewrite the First Amendment by handing over the internet to big business.
To truly celebrate American freedom, we must start a new kind of Revolutionary War - not with weapons, but with words. We must let our government know that the so-called "war on terror" can't be used to justify limiting our freedoms or ignoring the rule of law.
On Independence Day six years ago, we were more free than we are today. The fireworks and the barbecues will go on, but the spirit of the celebration is waning.
Let's do this, friends. Let's get this letter, and others like it, in newspapers all across America!