This Is Not Who We Are

The worst part of the soon-to-be Bush legacy has been the complete breakdown of the American ideals. This country began based upon utopic ideals of freedoms and the inalienable rights of man as granted by the creator. As a black man, I fully understand the flawed implementation that followed. Nonetheless, there is something said for the valiant attempt and our willingness of spirit to change over time. That is why it pains me so much to see our country so ostentatiously regress and betray who we are.

So the reason that I write this post is to celebrate the Supreme Court's decision that states that the detainees at Guantanamo Bay must be granted the right to challenge their detainment in federal courts. I totally believe that we should punish terrorists most severely, but don't believe that we must lose our soul in the process. The current process of secret military tribunals and the slanted limitations that they impose upon the defendants guarantees that the world views us as hypocrites. Government is not to be trusted... EVER! Not because I am a conspiracy theorist, but because I am a pragmatist that understands that power almost always breeds corruption. And there is no greater power than that of the United States government unchecked. I believe in our country, but one factor that has made our system work has been that we value our liberties and keep a vigilant eye on our government.

Now let's try the bastards fairly then lock them away forever!