ON THE WALLABY- 5th July 2006

"If the author of the Declaration of Independence were to utter such a sentiment today, the Post Office Department could exclude him from the mail, grand juries could indict him for sedition and criminal syndicalism, legislative committees could seize his private papers ... and United States Senators would be clamouring for his deportation that he ... should be sent back to live with the rest of the terrorists.": – Frank I. Cobb (1869-1923) American Journalist -Source: New York World

THE 4TH OF JULY-WHAT WOULD GEORGE, BENJAMIN AND OTHERS THINK TODAY?

As yesterday was the anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence that saw the (then soon to be created) United States of America break away from King George 111’s English rule, I spent some time musing what those statesmen, and I use the word in its fullest context, would think of the nation they founded as it now is?

The quotation I have used above I saw last night and it seemed most appropriate indeed for the thoughts and words those men used way back then would certainly land them in not only hot water but also trips to far off places for a ”friendly chat” in today’s world.

Where have the sense of democracy, free speech, “inalienable rights” (as mentioned in that Declaration) and other foundations of that nation gone under the stewardship (or should I say “reign”) of President Bush?

It is ironic that America tipped out the rule by one madman in “Mad” King George as he was known then only now to be ruled by a man who has emporic ambitions and who also goes by the name of George.

I am astounded that America, long the bastion of the free press and free speech, has remained mute whilst the wheels of authoritarians roll over their liberty’s, all under the guise of “fighting terrorism”.

I have no argument with the dangers that terrorism holds, even though more people are killed on the roads than by terrorists each year but I ask you, in many cases, and I use America’s trundling of peoples around the world for interrogation and Guantanamo Bay, are we not only stooping to their level but also, and which is worse, only creating great PR for Bin Laden et al to recruit further followers.

Daily it is becoming more obvious that President Bush’s manic charge into Baghdad to get the man “who tried to kill my daddy” has diverted attention, funds and manpower away from where the core problem is (or was) and that is Afghanistan and that will only emphasize what an error of judgement it was.

Perhaps President Bush should take the time, I know there aren’t any pictures in it, to actually read the Declaration and ponder over what it all means.

Carpe diem

Tony

Tony Fountain

Professional Speaker, auctioneer and author

Sydney NSW Australia

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