An Obligation To Condemn Is Not An Obligation To Ban

I believe in freedom of speech, but I also believe that we have an obligation to condemn speech that is racist, bigoted, anti-Semitic, or hateful.
―    Rep.  John Robert Lewis
From his book:  “Walking with the Wind: A Memoir of the Movement“
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On This Day In:
2020	Me Too
2019	#45: Whitewalkers Tremble, Treason Is Forever
2018	Light Or Darkness
2017	Doubtful Education
2016	Absolute
2015	Still The Best Teacher
2014	Inside The Soul
2013	A Toe In The River
2012	Believe It Or Not
2011	The Road To Recovery (And More Myths)

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I Am Spartacus

[The following is an opinion editorial appearing in the Washington Post on 16 August 2018.    —    kmab]
Revoke my security clearance, too, Mr. President
Dear Mr. President:
Former CIA director John Brennan, whose security clearance you revoked on Wednesday, is one of the finest public servants I have ever known.  Few Americans have done more to protect this country than John.  He is a man of unparalleled integrity, whose honesty and character have never been in question, except by those who don’t know him.
Therefore, I would consider it an honor if you would revoke my security clearance as well, so I can add my name to the list of men and women who have spoken up against your presidency.
Like most Americans, I had hoped that when you became president, you would rise to the occasion and become the leader this great nation needs.
A good leader tries to embody the best qualities of his or her organization.  A good leader sets the example for others to follow.  A good leader always puts the welfare of others before himself or herself.
Your leadership, however, has shown little of these qualities.  Through your actions, you have embarrassed us in the eyes of our children, humiliated us on the world stage and, worst of all, divided us as a nation.
If you think for a moment that your McCarthy-era tactics will suppress the voices of criticism, you are sadly mistaken.  The criticism will continue until you become the leader we prayed you would be.
William H. McRaven
Retired Navy Admiral
McRaven was commander of the U.S. Joint Special Operations Command from 2011 to 2014.
He oversaw the 2011 Navy SEAL raid in Pakistan that killed al-Qaeda leader Osama bin Laden.
[Between 1974 and 1978, I served in the U.S. Army and had a Top-Secret clearance granted in relation to my duties.  I certainly no longer have this clearance.  But, if I did…  You could “revoke my security clearance, too, Mr President”!!    —    kmab]
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On This Day In:
2017	Try Not To Run Short, Too
2016	I Feel The Same (Thankful)
2015	It Couldn’t Hurt
2014	Sir, I Have Reasoned It Out!
2013	What Are We Becoming?
2012	Miracles
2011	“W” Finds A Nut!
2010	No Strain At All, But I’m Not Sure About Stress…
	An Evening at the Pavilion…

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The Privilege Of Milking

A revolution is not just about freedom of speech, but the ability to monitor authority and hold it accountable.  When a revolution fails, whether in Tahrir Square or Wall Street, it’s always because someone doesn’t want to get caught.  It is imperative that they keep their privilege of milking the goods of the country any way possible.
—    Bassem Youssef
From his book:  “Revolution For Dummies“
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On This Day In:
2017	Try Not To Run Short, Too
2016	I Feel The Same (Thankful)
2015	It Couldn’t Hurt
2014	Sir, I Have Reasoned It Out!
2013	What Are We Becoming?
2012	Miracles
2011	“W” Finds A Nut!
2010	No Strain At All, But I’m Not Sure About Stress…
	An Evening at the Pavilion…

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Happy 4th of July 2018!!

In honor of the Fourth of July holiday celebration, I would like to offer up the first Amendment to the United States Constitution:
Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances.
This Amendment “guarantees” five basic freedoms to the people of the United States, which the Federal Government should pass no law to abridge (reduce or restrict).  They are:
Freedom of Religion.
Freedom of Speech.
Freedom of the Press.
Freedom to Assemble Peaceably.
Freedom to Petition the Government for a Redress of Grievances.
The first ten Amendments to the Constitution are commonly known as the “Bill of Rights”.  Generally speaking, their intent is to restrict the government and formally guarantee rights to “people” or to “persons”.
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On This Day In:
2017	Happy 4th of July 2017!!
2016	Red, White And Blue BBQ
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2015	Happy 4th of July 2015!!
2014	Happy 4th of July 2014!!
2013	Patriot Act, Anyone?
2012	Five Lost Wars
2011	Worth Fighting For
2010	Still Learnin’ Hard…
	4th of July 2010

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True Courage

I asked him [Jon Stewart] about the fans.  I said, “There are too many people who expect a certain, directed kind of sarcasm.  I feel they want me to continue making fun of people who are no longer in power.  I can’t do that.  It is not right.  I am afraid that I will lose a lot of my fans.  I lot of people will hate me when they see I went against them.”
“Well, yes, that might happen,” he replied.  “So tell me, what else are you afraid of?  Your safety?  That they might jail you?  What?  What is you biggest fear?”
I thought about it for a minute and said, “Well, if they put me in jail that will make them look too stupid.”
“I agree,” he said.
“I guess it is just the fact that I might lose the popularity and the support,” I finally admitted.
“Well, my friend,” he said, “that is true courage.  Standing up for what you believe might not be what the people want.  You’re staying true to yourself no matter what the consequences are, though… that is true integrity.  Bassem, remember when I visited you in Egypt?  I told you that you need to ask yourself, what do you want to do?  Do you want to do comedy?  Or do you want to do something that lasts longer?  When you answer that, you will know what to do.”
“Dude, you never fail to impress me,” I said.
“Well, I am not in your shoes, and I can’t imagine being in your position.  We sometimes take freedom of speech for granted in the U.S.  It is people like you that will have to carve out their own space.  Whether you succeed or you fail, you have already made your mark in history.”
I realized how far I had come in only two years.  And here was my idol cheering me on.  His words echoed in my head:  “Write what you really feel, you will find a way.  If you are afraid, make fun of your fear.  If you can’t speak, make fun of that.”
—     Bassem Youssef
From his book:  “Revolution For Dummies“
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On This Day In:
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2015	Some Meaningful Resemblance
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2013	Walking The Walk
2012	Legacy Of Star Trek (TOS)
2011	Tolerating The Intolerant
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2010	Giants Win Game 1 In Philly (4 to 3)!!

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Compensation

People demand freedom of speech as a compensation for the freedom of thought which they seldom use.
―    Søren Kierkegaard
[And freedom of religion does not give you the right to kill or maim someone who disagrees with (or even mocks) your religion / faith / God/ prophet.    —    KMAB]
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On This Day In:
2015	Charlie Redux
2014	The Crux
2013	Erosion And Rechannelling
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2012	How Many Thought… (One I Know Of)
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2011	Speed Spoils
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2010	A Second 4 Hour Jog

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