Some people don't mind being a sole product of their
environment. I do mind. But don’t get me wrong; I am aware of the large role
environment plays in shaping personality. However, I am also aware of the
immense role our mind plays. Therefore, I am not amused by the apathy, denial
and neglect shown by so many citizens, including some of the smartest people I
know. Why is it cool to be indifferent? Why is it cool to only care about
things once everyone else cares about things? Why is it important to be up-to-date
with the latest fashions? Why are the details of a celebrity’s life so
important? Why is a concrete reward necessary to motivate people to do
something? Why is our society extremely superficial?
Well, it goes back to my original thought. Nowadays, most
people allow their environment to shape what they think, believe, trust and
care about. With all do respect fellow citizens, use your brain, turn off your
television, and pick up a worthy
book. I don’t care if you disagree with me about certain topics. In fact, I
like debating people who disagree with me on nuances regarding our liberty
because it polishes my views and helps me keep an open mind. I am using liberty as an example because I do not
personally know a person that espouses tyranny. There are many perspectives
regarding liberty but liberty itself is pretty simple. Liberty is freedom and
independence; everyone should have a right to live according to these ideals.
Yes, I understand there will be subjective differences
regarding what liberty entails. But it is fun to discuss. I am still shaping my
personal beliefs regarding the government’s role regarding discrimination and
related topics. But one thing I will never be swayed about is letting Obama off
easy for signing the most obvious “Big Brother” provisions to the not infamous enough National Defense Authorization
Act [1]. This legislation is obviously attacking our liberty, regardless of our
personal beliefs. This is why every single person in this country is outraged
and no one will be voting for Obama come November, right? Wrong.
Apparently, people are okay with indefinite detainment
without habeas corpus or due process of law. How scary does the legislation our
government officials pass have to get for people to start protesting? Oh wait,
that is also illegal per the Federal Restricted Buildings and Grounds
Improvement Act of 2011 [2][3]. I suppose that is why no one is protesting. It
makes complete sense that people would not want to risk going to jail for
knowingly or unknowingly protesting in an area where there is Secret Service
protection. Not to mention you might be sentenced to jail for 10 years if you
are carrying a “deadly or dangerous weapon,” which I would not take so lightly
since nail clippers and tweezers are not allowed on airplanes.
You have to understand that the harmful legislation being proposed, including SOPA, PIPA and CISPA [4], is beyond vague and will allow for
all sorts of dangerous interpretations. This type of legislation can be
interpreted in any form necessary to punish someone regardless of whether he or she
actually poses a threat or is just speaking out in disagreement with what our
government is doing. I do not blame people for not protesting on the streets. I
know I do not have the time or energy and it is just not my style. But there are
other ways. Spread the word or become involved in local politics. Even simpler,
do a little research over the Internet about politicians, and do not support or
vote for politicians who endorse legislation that takes away our liberty. I am
a lot more concerned about what they are doing over at Capitol Hill than in the
Middle East. Do not get me wrong, there are some
dangerous people in the Middle East but I think we should be more attentive and
fix the problems we have locally (i.e., Washington D.C.) instead of letting
ourselves be fooled into giving up more liberty in exchange for supposed
safety.
Anyway, remember what good old Pericles said a looooong time
ago? It was true then and it is still just as true today. Goes something like,
“Just because you do not take an interest in politics, does not mean politics
won’t take an interest in you.” But I also like the more modern version, “Do
politics or it will do you.”
