Tyranny or liberty ...
Editor’s note: This letter is in response to the guest editorial by Matt Shafer of Baton Rouge, La. It exceeds the BCR’s 500-word limit.
To the Editor,
1. You mention all the hatred that is being generated by the town meetings and tea parties around the country. How easy it is to forget the demonstrations that took place against George Bush during his time in office. That was freedom of speech wasn’t it? The fact is, our government and their talking down to their constituents have awakened a sleeping giant. This movement is not Republican, Democrat or Independent. It is the people who want a voice, and they want those who represent them to listen.
2. People are reacting to what they read in the Health Care Bill, which Nancy Pelosi and her group tried to push through before the August break. On Page 50, Line 152 — “Health Care will be provided to all non-U.S. citizens, illegal or otherwise.”
3. The accusation that Glenn Beck said that it took him about a year to really start hating the families of 9-11 victims. You Lie! Glenn Beck is angry with how the government has taken so long to build the towers after 9/11/01. For goodness sake — it took 410 days to build the Empire State Building. We are Americans! We can do anything if we put our minds to it.
4. Sow seeds of hatred — I know that our group in Princeton do not hate — instead we show love and concern. Many of us pray every day for President Obama and the leaders of our country. We may not agree with them, but we respect them. All we ask is that they do likewise — respect the voice of the people.
5. Oh yes, let’s discuss George Bush — as he was to blame for everything — and talk about hate — will need we say more? Many of us were not happy with George Bush and the Republicans. Why do you think many voted for Obama for president and gave him control of Congress? They wanted change, but not the changes he is making.
6. Let’s discuss the Patriot Act. Did you know that Obama is using it, and through that the FBI were able to stop a terrorist plot and arrest some of those involved? As with the Bush administration, Obama knows that he needs to protect American citizens, and if using wire taps, etc. helps, you can be sure he will continue to use them.
7. As to torture (water boarding, etc.), it did give up needed information which kept us safe. These terrorists do not fall under the Geneva Convention and never will be. Check it out — they have to be in uniform and representing a certain country.
8. America does have a better health care — but it does not mean we cannot improve it. Many people from other countries come to America for their health care — instead of waiting six to eight months for needed tests that could save their lives.
9. Regarding death panels — no, that wording is not in the bill. Check Page 427, Lines 15-24, government mandates program for orders for “end of life.” Page 429, Lines 10-12, “Advance Care Consultant.”
We are working for real debates about many things we see happening — so what’s your problem?
Thomas Jefferson said, “When people fear the government, there is tyranny. When government fears the people — there is liberty.”
Shirley Peterson
Princeton
