T. B. - "The United States has become a beacon of freedom to the rest of the world."

That is the "party line" of both the Democrat and Republican Parties, I'm aware. Everyone trumpets how ours is the land of the free.

Only in our own minds, though, not the rest of the world. We strut our stuff before the mirror, telling ourselves how great we are. The only people who repeat it back to us want something.

And no one else believes it anymore. Not when we refuse to respect human rights. Not when we refuse to sign conventions regarding the rights of women and children that other countries find just OK. Not when we refuse to participate in international forums on racism. Not when we jail people indefinitely without even releasing their names (remember "Night and Fog").

Other countries can more easily see us for what we are. 'Cause the unflattering stuff doesn't get much publicity here, and is basically ignored.

And if you believe it's free, well, you don't. Try not paying property taxes, or licensing your vehicle, or paying income taxes (unless you're wealthy). Try to just pay for your telephone line, without all the taxes. There goes the phone. Try to purchase something at a building supply center without paying the tax. You won't get it.

There are enough laws that if the government wants to get you they can, and will. The gov't owns you, and cleverly persuades the gullible they are "free".

"Free" country is like "free" speech in the White House. Something for the masses to believe, Orwellian at best. "Free" until you become an irritant.

There is a limited amount of freedom. To travel, but don't try to visit "public parks", such as Yosemite, Yellowstone, and so on, without paying, again. Or stay in a hotel or motel without paying the government for the privilege in the form of more taxes.

It is true there can be people like me who dissent politically, but we would be shut up as unpatriotic and treasonous if conservatives had their way. They try do do it now, listen to Cheney. All the makings of a lynch mob.

Heh, heh. "Beacon of freedom".

Arf (they really do fool some of 'em all of the time, don't they!!)