By Guest Blogger, Linda
The NOW convention was a meeting of people with many shared visions. But at the core of those visions is the concept that the ideas of our 1776 Declaration of Independence ought, in 2005, to include women.
"We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness. That to secure these rights, Governments are instituted among Men, deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed. That whenever any Form of Government becomes destructive of these ends, it is the Right of the People to alter or to abolish it, and to institute new Government, laying its foundation on such principles and organizing its powers in such form, as to them shall seem most likely to effect their Safety and Happiness."
All you need to do is reflect on those words to feel the seriousness of our current state of affairs under the bush administration. (I don't capitalize the name bush because he doesn't deserve that much respect). To be discussing the right to choose, the right to buy birth control pills at the local pharmacy and equal pay in 2005 (and the list is much longer) makes me feel like I am living a nightmare. Please wake me up when this is over.
A more accurate description of our current plight is contained in the listing below of the 14 characteristics of fascism. After reading these points you should feel right at home.
1. A CONTROLLED MASS MEDIA
2. FRAUDULENT ELECTIONS
3. RAMPANT SEXISM
4. RELIGION & RULING ELITE INTERTWINED
5. RAMPANT CORRUPTION & CRONYISM
6. CORPORATE POWER PROTECTED
7. IDENTIFYING ENEMIES/SCAPEGOATS AS A UNIFYING CAUSE
8. DISDAIN & SUPPRESSION OF INTELLECTUALS & THE ARTS
9. OBSESSION WITH CRIME & PUNISHMENT
10. POWER OF LABOR SUPPRESSED OR ELIMINATED
11. OBSESSION WITH NATIONAL SECURITY
12. POWERFUL & CONTINUING EXPRESSIONS OF NATIONALISM
13. SUPREMACY OF THE MILITARY/AVID MILITARISM
14. DISDAIN FOR THE IMPORTANCE OF HUMAN RIGHTS
I repeat: "That whenever any Form of Government becomes destructive of these ends, it is the Right of the People to alter or to abolish it, and to institute new Government, laying its foundation on such principles and organizing its powers in such form, as to them shall seem most likely to effect their Safety and Happiness."
A Belated Happy Fourth of July.
Tag: fascism
