Just as Einstein methodically observed the patterns of the universe, he observed the inner workings of people.
His sociological findings were, at times, as profound as his scientific ones. So let's apply them to one of the most substantial issues we are currently facing today as Americans.
I don't have to summarize our situation in this post. If you have had your ear to the ground, you know about the secret CIA prisons, the destruction of habeas corpus, Gitmo, the use of proxie states for further torturing, Abu Ghraib, and the countless acts this administration has executed against Natural Rights.
Just in case you need some polishing up on the subject you can check out this video I just made:
I would like to stress that we should not think of these atrocities as being so distant. RIGHT NOW as you read this, men and women are being held/tortured by OUR government. RIGHT NOW, Sami Al-Hajj, an Al Jazeera cameraman, is enduring his 1,944th day in Guantanamo Bay. Whatever moral authority we had in this world is forfeited with every passing day of these injustices.
And Albert said:
"A human being is a part of a whole, called by us universe, a part limited in time and space. He experiences himself, his thoughts and feelings as something separated from the rest... a kind of optical delusion of his consciousness. This delusion is a kind of prison for us, restricting us to our personal desires and to affection for a few persons nearest to us. Our task must be to free ourselves from this prison by widening our circle of compassion to embrace all living creatures and the whole of nature in its beauty."
We cannot make nationalistic definitions for human rights. We are all human. We are all global citizens.
"Peace cannot be achieved through violence, it can only be attained through understanding."
The short term "successes" of torture, if there actually are any - the validity of intelligence via torture of course being highly debatable - are overshadowed by the desecration of our country's moral authority. Like maintaining the occupation in Iraq, the continuing of torture and unjustified bondage both taints our morals and strengthens the opposition.
"The minority, the ruling class at present, has the schools and press, usually the Church as well, under its thumb. This enables it to organize and sway the emotions of the masses, and make its tool of them."
Unfortunately, a developed media machine miscontrues the realities of torture. Reason must battle against Murdoch's Jack Bauer and Bill O'Reilly. In the end though, we must see to it that the truth is exposed.
"A man's ethical behavior should be based effectually on sympathy, education, and social ties; no religious basis is necessary."
This is not a partisan issue. This is not a religious issue. This is a MORAL issue derived from a common sympathy for fellow man.
"Put your hand on a hot stove for a minute, and it seems like an hour. Sit with a pretty girl for an hour, and it seems like a minute. THAT'S relativity."
Imagine spending a week in captivity. Imagine a month, a year, a lifetime. Imagine being beaten, electrocuted, taunted and shamed. These victims' minutes are hours.
"The important thing is not to stop questioning. Curiosity has its own reason for existing. One cannot help but be in awe when he contemplates the mysteries of eternity, of life, of the marvelous structure of reality. It is enough if one tries merely t o comprehend a little of this mystery every day. Never lose a holy curiosity."
We must never cease to question authority. We must maintain our persistence and diligence. If we are content with their propaganda then we are as guilty as they themselves.