The Freedom to Obey
The current behavior of those who claim a right to "govern" us -- shows just how easy it is to shift to tyranny from democracy. The mob can easily be led to kill off dissenters.
The Constitution, which vaguely intended to avoid the inevitable descent into feudalism, is often cast aside for the convenience of the rulers.
In the War Between the States, Lincoln claimed his oath to the Constitution required him to make war on those states wishing to withdraw from the Union. But the oath says ""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."
He promised to defend the Constitution -- not the Union. Then, in the Civil War that followed, he suspended habeas corpus -- a right guaranteed by the Constitution.
Woodrow Wilson, in order to prevent dissent against the US Government after he broke his promise and took the country into the Great (European) War, had no trouble getting the Sedition Act of 1918 passed by Congress. When, relying on the Constitutional protection of free speech, someone spoke against registering for the draft that would force them to serve in the war, the Supreme Court took the Government's side -- saying this was like yelling fire in a crowded theater.
Wilson had precedent -- in 1798, Adams had Congress give him the Alien and Sedition Acts. Under this anti-free-speech law, Adams jailed a member of Congress who criticized his behavior. Kentucky and Virginia passed resolutions claiming states had the right to nullify such laws. The Federal courts, of course said no . In all things, the Federal Government rules and all must obey.
We are governed by men, not by laws. We are a democratic tyranny, a police state constantly being reminded that we are free. We live in the world Orwell (and Marx) predicted.
The Constitution, which vaguely intended to avoid the inevitable descent into feudalism, is often cast aside for the convenience of the rulers.
In the War Between the States, Lincoln claimed his oath to the Constitution required him to make war on those states wishing to withdraw from the Union. But the oath says ""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."
He promised to defend the Constitution -- not the Union. Then, in the Civil War that followed, he suspended habeas corpus -- a right guaranteed by the Constitution.
Woodrow Wilson, in order to prevent dissent against the US Government after he broke his promise and took the country into the Great (European) War, had no trouble getting the Sedition Act of 1918 passed by Congress. When, relying on the Constitutional protection of free speech, someone spoke against registering for the draft that would force them to serve in the war, the Supreme Court took the Government's side -- saying this was like yelling fire in a crowded theater.
Wilson had precedent -- in 1798, Adams had Congress give him the Alien and Sedition Acts. Under this anti-free-speech law, Adams jailed a member of Congress who criticized his behavior. Kentucky and Virginia passed resolutions claiming states had the right to nullify such laws. The Federal courts, of course said no . In all things, the Federal Government rules and all must obey.
We are governed by men, not by laws. We are a democratic tyranny, a police state constantly being reminded that we are free. We live in the world Orwell (and Marx) predicted.
posted by Fredric Dennis Williams | 10:36 AM
0 Comments:
Post a Comment
<< Home