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I watched in disgust how the Chinese government created the farce of freedom with the so-called "Protest zones" during the Olympics - where anyone actually applying for a permit to use them was immediately arrested.
After watching this, in Minnesota of all places, I have to wonder exactly how American democracy and freedom of speech is markedly superior. These kids weren't violent, they didn't have weapons or drugs. Nothing more dangerous, in fact, than laptop computers. They didn't even get the chance to state their political beliefs. We've gone from pre-emptive wars against foreigners to pre-emptive arrests of American citizens.
I keep telling myself that America is better than this. That for two hundred and thirty years we've striven to create a nation of freedom, of laws, and of decency.
The right wing keeps yapping about how our military is "fighting for our freedom" in Iraq. Fighting for our freedom, like charity or building schools and bridges, ought to begin at home.
