|
 |
January 18, 2005
Which moral values are those?
|
Lisa-Jean Mugler
Features Editor
|
How moral is a man who appoints as lawyer a despot with
the worst case of weaseling, and loophole-making seen in a long time?
President Bush has done just that, seeking to install Alberto Gonzalez
in the post of Attorney General, the legal counsel and chief law enforcement
officer for the nation.
Alberto Gonzalez is the lawyer who approved-without apology- the “torture
memos,” advocating the use of “acceptable” means of
interrogation for prisoners caught as “terrorists” under the
Patriot Act. He wrote in his legal summary that the Geneva Convention
was “quaint” and “outdated.”
Bush commented, “His sharp intellect and sound judgment have helped
shape our policies in the war on terror…He has an unwavering principle
of respect for the law.” Hmmph. Respect for how it can be manipulated,
maybe.
OK, so Gonzalez is a lawyer, and it’s only “natural”
for him to weasel about what loophole of the law they can get away with.
But do you really want him to be advising the president of loopholes when
the religious radicals determine (put the name of a favorite moral-fabric-of-society-ripping-group
here) should be arrested under the Patriot Act—because their lifestyle
is a “threat” to the rest of the nation?
A couple of weeks ago, a man was being stupid and flashed his laser pen
at an airplane.
Despite the fact that the FBI acknowledged there was no connection to
terrorism, they used the Patriot Act to charge him.
Based on the actual treatment of suspected terrorists, could this man
(or the next one) be interred without being told why he’s being
held? Without access to counsel?
Could he end up being held in Guantanamo Bay, where torture rules are
presently in effect?
This is only one of the feared “fruits” of the Patriot Act,
and now we will have Gonzalez to “interpret” for the president.
So, all you immoral people, take note: it is entirely possible that you
will be in the crosshairs of the “Moral” Leader of our country
during the next four years.
In view of that, let me help prepare the immoral for the future:
“Welcome to the Bush-Cheny-Gonzalez ‘Life Repentance &
Redirection Compound’ where you will be fed twice a day (for your
health: obesity leads to chronic diseases, which you can no longer afford
to treat).”
“You will be expected to do hard labor for your food because we
don’t believe in welfare programs, and because the Bible says “In
the sweat of thy face shalt thou eat thy bread.”
“The pay for a full day of work, less taxes, usually pays for 1
3/4 meals. We will subsidize the cost of that 1/4 meal, so that you will
only owe a small amount, which will then be added back to the total balance
owing.”
“In order to enforce the ‘community service’ aspect
of your term, your labor will be to provide homes for those who can afford
them: moral basketball and baseball players, televangelists, Sheriff Joe
and ASU President Michael Crow, as well as providing a class of laborers
that Wal-Mart, Starbucks and the collection agencies of credit card companies
can utilize to keep costs down.”
“There will be no encouragement for immoral behavior: offenders
can expect to live in barracks, and to save water, will not be allowed
to bathe or shower, that is what delousing sprays are for.”
“Second-time immorality offenders will receive the death penalty,
as per Texas law, and subject to the determination of local military officials.”
“This is only for your own good.”
“And may God help you if you know anything about any immoral behaviors
or people!”
“We will find out about that, we have our ways.”
Back to Top
| Previous Page | Home
|
|
|
