International Terrorist Julian Assange One Step Closer to American Justice

Article first published as International Terrorist Julian Assange One Step Closer to American Justice on Technorati.

With all the attention focused on events in the Middle East, it would be easy to think that American authorities have forgotten about Julian Assange, but rest assured that those responsible for our security still place the WikiLeaks founder higher on their list of international threats than Osama binLaden.

U.S. security people moved closer to getting their hands on this terrorist master-mind with the deportation order just issued by the British court, although the inevitable appeals will likely see this case drag on for months yet. These unseemly delays are extremely frustrating for those seeking the blood of the man who has caused them so much embarrassment, but may prove helpful by giving them more time to find proof (so far lacking) of serious wrongdoing.

The powers-that-be would love to bring charges that would result in a lengthy prison sentence for Mr. Assange, although fond hopes of a speedy execution seem to have evaporated, along with much of the evidence that he did anything more than just print material that fell into his hands. U.S. Attorney General, Eric Holder won’t discuss what exact charges could be pursued, but legal experts feel that they may include espionage and conspiracy. Lately authorities have resorted to bottom-of-the-barrel efforts to find anything of substance.

Attempts to bribe Bradley Manning with a reduced sentence didn’t prove very helpful to the cause of justice. Either Mr. Manning is a lot tougher than he appears, or they are trying to find evidence of non-existent criminal activity. Despite the massive effort put into finding some, there is no real proof that Julian Assange played any role in stealing the documents, but our security agencies are seldom deterred by mere facts.

Recent tactics have included trying to squeeze information out of social media sites. Prosecutors obtained a court order aimed at getting Twitter to hand over records on Julian Assange, Bradley Manning and several others. There are suspicions that other sites, including Facebook, may have already bowed to pressure and turned over material.

It’s fascinating to hear our leaders praising freedom of speech, and urging other nations to allow their citizens more right to express themselves without fear. For many countries striving to free themselves from tyranny, social media sites have become the main avenue for free communication, yet our leaders see no hypocrisy in trying to exercise the same sort of political control over these sites that they condemn elsewhere. They have become so obsessed with bringing down Julian Assange, that they show no concern for the freedoms that they claim to hold so dear.

Julian Assange’s legal team believe that as he isn’t an American citizen, and hasn’t committed any crime in the U.S., American courts have no jurisdiction. The international community is growing increasingly puzzled by what they see as American obsession with what is already yesterday’s news, and not such a big deal to begin with. What foreigners fail to understand is the monstrous egos of our elected officials. Some of those egos have been seriously bruised by the head of WikiLeaks, and “justice” must be pursued.

Using whatever methods necessary U.S. officials will undoubtedly get their hands on Julian Assange. What a triumph for American justice and democracy, and what an example for other countries struggling for their rights.

Why Sarah Palin Will Never be President

Article first published as Why Sarah Palin Will Never be President on Blogcritics.

“But I will tell you … I am not going to sit down. I am not going to shut up.” These words might well serve as Sarah Palin’s political epitaph. While few might care if she sits down, there are many, including members of the Republican Party (Newt Gingrich and Mike Huckabee for instance), who think she should shut up.

Shutting up, unfortunately, isn’t a Palin strong-point. Having been infected with the Tea Party’s interpretation of freedom of speech (the right to blurt out whatever hateful nonsense happens to flit through one’s mind), she has proven herself incapable of keeping her tongue under the control of her brain.

Tea Party followers can afford to indulge in rash, or even irrational speech. This organization isn’t actually a political party, and its members don’t have to worry about getting elected, but if Sarah Palin, is not ruling out a run for the Presidency in 2012, she needs to give more thought to what she says in public.

The Tuscon shootings provided both Barack Obama and Sarah Palin equal opportunity to prove that they are worthy of the Oval Office, and highlighted why Mr. Obama is, and Ms. Palin isn’t. The President seized the moment, and came up with a speech that pushed all the right buttons to boost his image. Sarah chose to focus on her favorite topic (Sarah Palin), selfishly portraying herself as the true victim in this affair, and once again belligerently lashing out at those who would try to prevent her from exercising her God-given right to recklessly shoot-off her mouth whenever the urge strikes.

Her latest attack of verbal diarrhea came at the expense of breast-feeding mothers. With her usual lack of ability to focus on the real issue, she declared that the only reason for Michelle Obama urging mothers to breast-feed, is the high price of milk. This mother of a large brood, conveniently overlooked the fact that, nursing children are not generally given cow’s milk to replace breast milk, but instead drink baby formula.

These types of statements are even bringing condemnation from within her own party. Mike Huckabee …joined Republicans saying Palin should have controlled her urge to lash out at all things Obama. This wasn’t the first time she drew fire form a Republican Party notable. On the occasion of her infamous “blood-libel” speech, Newt Gingrich suggested she be “…more careful and think through what she’s saying and how she’s saying it.”

This would-be contender in 2012 should have learned something from her run for the office of Vice-President in 2008. Her lack of ability to take direction from people with more experience than herself, saw John McCain’s campaign disintegrate, and her own political ambitions left temporarily in tatters.

Sarah Palin undoubtedly employs professional speech-writers, but seems unwilling to let others put words in her mouth, and as she proved in 2008, believes that she knows better than anyone what to say, and when to say it. If this were true all would be well, but instead she displays an uncanny knack for always saying whatever might prove most damaging to her political future.

As she says herself, Ms. Palin will not sit down and shut up, nor will she ever be President of the United States.

Freedom and Democracy for other Countries: America’s Hypocrisy

Article first published as Freedom and Democracy for Other Countries: America’s Hypocrisy on Technorati.

Hosni Mubarak is out, and Barack Obama is hailing his ouster as a triumph of democracy.

Isn’t this the same President (in fact one of several) that supported the former Egyptian strong-man because he was seen as a friend and ally of the West? Could it be possible that America lends support to foreign leaders for purely selfish and self-serving motives, with no regard for democracy or human rights?

Hosni Mubarak certainly isn’t the first ruthless and corrupt dictator propped up by  U.S. politics.  Over the decades many autocrats have been kept in power with American support, with no interest in the welfare of the people under these tyrants.

The years of suffering of the Cuban people under Juan Batista was a direct result of U.S. protection of American interests on the island, and a wish to keep the Communists from gaining a base so close to home.“I believe that there is no country in the world including any and all the countries under colonial domination, where economic colonization, humiliation and exploitation were worse than in Cuba, in part owing to my country’s policies during the Batista regime” Despite this admission John Kennedy still did everything possible to stop the overthrow of the Cuban dictator.

The Philippines’ Ferdinand Marcos was as autocratic and corrupt as any third-world dictator, and the main source of his power was American interests in the country. “… the Marcos regime he (Ronald Regan) and previous American presidents had strongly supported even after Marcos declared martial law. The United States, which had provided hundreds of millions of dollars in aid, was crucial in buttressing Marcos’s rule.” After the People Power (or EDSA) Revolution, the United States allowed him to enjoy his stolen billions of dollars in exile in Hawaii.

The Shah of Iran, while initiating many reforms, used torture and execution without trial to brutally suppress all opposition. After the nationalization of the country’s oil industry by Prime Minister Dr. Mosaddeq, the CIA played a crucial role in having him removed and replaced by one of the Shah’s generals, Fazollah Zahedi. Secretary of State, Madeleine K Albright, stated: “…it is easy to see now why many Iranians continue to resent this intervention by America in their internal affairs.” Yet the Shah continued to receive America’s blessing as a friend and ally, as he kept militant Islam at bay, and guaranteed the flow of oil to the West.

These are just a few of the more notable dictatorships to receive the blessing and support of the United States. There have been many other brutal and corrupt foreign governments that couldn’t have held power without American interference in their internal affairs.

It’s fine to make impressive speeches advocating freedom and democracy in foreign countries, but the hypocrisy of America propping up oppressive regimes for purely selfish motives, makes these fancy words sound shameful.

Touring The California Coast

California is one of the most beautiful states to visit, and it’s long narrow shape, hugging the Pacific ocean, makes it perfect for a coastal drive of unparalleled beauty. The first decision is whether to start. at the southern tip (California/Mexico border), and then north to the border of Oregon, or the reverse (from north to south). As most visitors come from the north, the latter choice is the more common.

The second decision is whether to start right at the Oregon border. The drive from there to San Francisco, even non-stop, requires about seven hours on secondary roads. Whether this is worth it depends entirely on personal preferences. If rugged coastline is what you want, this is for you, but if something more ‘touristy’ with lots of facilities and attractions geared to kids is your thing, then best forget it.

Starting from San Francisco, the major points of interest are:

• The City of San Francisco itself: This alone is worth a couple of days. The Embarcadero, Fisherman’s Wharf, trolley cars, the Golden Gate Bridge and Alcatraz will alone occupy a full day. Other sights include Chinatown, the Mission District and the Conservatory of Flowers. Due to its size, a guided tour is worth the money. Pack a jacket, as bone-chilling fog is common to the area.
• San Jose: An hour’s travel south of San Francisco, this city is known for its beaches, boardwalk, and amusement pier. It attracts huge crowds during spring break. If the thought of thousands of students turns you off, best visit some other time.
• Monterey Bay area: An hour and a half from San Jose. Cannery row, Fisherman’s Wharf and neighboring towns such as Salinas, will all seem familiar to readers of John Steinbeck’s novels. Located right at the Wharf is one of the countries best aquariums. This is also the spot for the freshest seafood found anywhere. A few miles south is the must-see town of Carmel by the Sea, and the famous Pebble Beach Golf Course.
• Hearst Castle: Located at San Simeon, two hours south of Monterey, this truly spectacular creation of publishing giant William Randolph Hearst, shouldn’t be missed. Park at the visitor’s center, and board buses for the three different tours offered.
• Los Angeles: Four and a half hours from the Castle lies the sprawling city of Los Angeles. Universal Studios, the Getty Villa and Museum and Walt Disney World’s four theme parks are just a few of the attractions. The city’s vast size and intimidating traffic, make parking the car, and hopping aboard a tour bus a more relaxing way to see the sights.
• San Diego: A further two hours from Los Angeles is California’s second largest city. With little variation in climate throughout the year, this a perfect holiday destination at any time. A boat tour is an ideal way to get a different view of San Diego’s beautiful shoreline. For animal lovers, the world-famous San Diego Zoo, Wild Animal Park and Sea World will keep a first-time visitor busy for a couple of days. The Anza Borrego Desert State Park offers the nature-conscious a glimpse into the ecology of Southern California. Tourists seeing the lush vegetation, are seldom aware of the fact that little of it is natural. Most of Southern California’s coast is classified as “coastal desert.” The grass and palm trees are all planted, and depend on irrigation for survival.

Obviously, these are only a few of the attractions found touring the coast. An area as rich in scenic beauty, history and culture couldn’t possibly be dealt with in a single article. Hopefully, this will serve as an introduction, that will encourage potential visitors to further research what this vast state has to offer and enable them to plan their own itinerary.

Egypt Without Mubarak – What Lies Ahead?

Article first published as Egypt Without Mubarak -– What Lies Ahead? on Blogcritics.

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The only certainty in Egypt these days is that Hosni Mubarak is out. Whether it happens in the next few days, or in several months, his time is up. What isn’t certain, is what the future holds for Egypt, and the rest of the world, without the dictator that has been an ally of the West, and a much-needed element of stability in the region.

Barack Obama, and other world leaders, are urging Mubarak to step aside, and allow democratic reforms. This may seem a noble goal, but little thought is being given to who will succeed the Egyptian strongman. Any successor he might name himself would likely be unacceptable to those demanding change, and after thirty years in office he has few political rivals.

The group best positioned to take control of the government is the Muslim Brotherhood, and though banned from holding political office themselves, they get around this by running as independents. Their current strategy is the backing of Mohamed ElBaradei, who is emerging as the main opposition leader.

ElBaradei hasn’t spent much time in Egypt in recent years. In fact he has been out of the country since 1964, devoting many of those years to heading the United Nations nuclear inspection program. Despite being part of an organization that requires political neutrality, he says Israel is “the number one threat to the Middle East,” and attacks America and Israel for the “civilian carnage” they cause.

The Muslim Brotherhood, although claiming to oppose violence to achieve their goals, seem to limit this non-violent philosophy only to Jihad against the corrupt Western democracies. They agree with ElBaradei that Israel is the enemy, and must be destroyed by any means possible. Speaking for the Brotherhood, Muhammad Ghannem stated that “the people should be prepared for war against Israel,” saying the world should understand that “the Egyptian people are prepared for anything to get rid of this regime.”

The United States has backed Mubarek by providing Egypt with one of the largest arsenals in this part of the world, and if it falls into the hands of the extremists, war is inevitable. Peace is always precarious in Middle East politics, and a stable ally of America, willing to respect a peace accord with Israel has been instrumental in maintaining a delicate balance of power.

The Muslim Brotherhood doesn’t limit its activities to the Arab world. They have established themselves as a political force throughout Europe, especially in Germany, by employing the same strategy currently being used in Egypt (the backing of respected candidates). Americans shouldn’t be deluded into thinking that they don’t have ambitions on this side of the ocean. They see their work here as a Jihad aimed at destroying our culture and replacing all religions with Islam. While they may not support terrorism against the West, there is no question that they seek our destruction.

President Obama is increasingly forceful in urging Hosni Mubarak to step aside. Given the present alternatives, this haste is likely a mistake. The most likely successor will be the Muslim Brotherhood, and with this group’s attitude towards Egypt’s neighbor, Israel, and its formidably armed military, the consequences will be catastrophic.

If The Muslim Brotherhood succeeds in Egypt, other Islamic countries in a state of crisis could prove easy pickings. Western leaders, instead of hastening events in Egypt, might be better off using what diplomatic influence they have, to try to stabilize the situation long enough to buy some time for other leaders to emerge.

Review of Bohol Divers Resort

Address : Tawala, Panglao, Bohol, Philippines
Reservation Number : +63-38 502 9047
Office Number : +63-38 502 9085
Telefax : +63-38 502 9005
Email: boholdiversresort@yahoo.com

Rates for a 3 day 2 night package, including daily breakfast and one-day tour:

La Residencia: $186 (pp/dbl)                                                                                                                               Apartment type, fully air-conditioned with hot and cold shower, cable TV, kitchen, refrigerator, mineral water dispenser. Fronting the pool.

Chateau A: $125 (pp/dbl)/Chateau B: $120 (pp/dbl)                                                                                                    Fully air-conditioned room,hot & cold shower, cable TV, refrigerator & mineral water.

Cella Sea View: $125 (pp/dbl)                                                                                                                                         Apartment type, fully air-conditioned with hot and cold shower, cable TV, mineral water dispenser.)

Villa Suite: $118 (pp/dbl)                                                                                                                                                     Fully air-conditioned room, cable TV, bathtub, fronting the pool beach side

Note: Rates do not include transfers to and from the airport or ferry terminal:

• Car (1-3 passengers): $12 one way

• Van (4-8 passengers): $16 one way

The Bohol Divers Resort is home to the Bohol Divers Club Dive Center, which caters to novice and expert divers alike. Services include gear rental, instruction, and both day and night dives. The club is fully PADI certified, and dive packages can be booked at the resort.

The Bohol Divers Resort isn’t just for the scuba crowd, but is a full service family resort hotel.

Located at Alona Beach on the picturesque island of Panglao, in Bohol, it has its own private beach with majestic ocean views, and for those not fond of the sea, two swimming pools are also available.

Other facilities include:

• Restaurant
• Beach bar
• Outdoor games
• Beach volleyball
• Internet (WIFI)
• Safety deposit boxes
• Laundry service
• Massage
• Mineral water (tap water isn’t potable)

Pros:

• White sand beach.
• Great views.
• Included breakfast.
• One day tour includes river cruise and buffet lunch. Mini bus pick-up at resort.
• Spacious, comfortable rooms.
• Site is well maintained, and has good security.
• Full-service dive center on site.
• Reasonable rates.

Cons:

• Polite, but not very friendly staff.
• Transfers not included in package price.
• Guests using beach are harassed by vendors selling tours, jewelery, food, etc.
• Not convenient to other restaurants or stores.

The Bohol Divers Resort appeals to both the dive crowd, and those seeking a relaxing getaway at a full featured resort hotel. The package is worth it for the one day tour alone. An air-conditioned mini-bus picks up guests at the resort for a full day of sight-seeing accompanied by a local guide.

Bohol is an unspoiled island where development is limited to agriculture and tourism. Good roads and an experienced driver make for a relaxing tour. Scenery is spectacular and stops include the Chocolate Hills, historic sites, monuments and the Loboc River. A buffet lunch (aboard the boat) featuring local dishes, is followed by a leisurely cruise. Local groups serenade the passing boats. In the afternoon there is an opportunity to see the tarsier (the world’s smallest primate).

For those coming from Manila, travel plans could include both Cebu/Mactan and Bohol. Travel agents offer economical packages which include airfare to Cebu, 2 nights accommodation at a Mactan Island Resort, one day tour, ferry to Bohol, and the 2 night, 3 day package at the Bohol Divers Resort. Airfare from Bohol To Manila, and all transfers are included. Rates vary with accommodation and season.

Whether you are a diver, or just someone seeking a relaxing stay at a beautiful ocean-front resort, the Bohol Divers Resort is sure to satisfy your needs.

Review of El Cielito Inn, Makati

Location: 804 Arnaiz Avenue (formerly Pasay Road), Makati City, Philippines. It is a 10 to 15 minute walk to The Ayala Center, The Ayala Museum and the Makati Medical Center.

Facilities: Restaurant offering service throughout the day. Small Conference center.

Rooms: Single, Twin Deluxe, Superior.

Rates: $57 to $77 when booked on the El Cielito website. Better prices may be found online, or by phoning the hotel and negotiating.

Located close to the Ayala Center, and most major attractions in Makati, El Cielito Inn is a small hotel, offering rates substantially below those available at most other hotels in this part of Manila. Unfortunately, its location on a street with several nightclubs and restaurants, makes walking an unpleasant experience.

Cars and delivery vehicles block the sidewalk, necessitating frequent detours onto the road. At night there are a lot of people coming and going from the clubs, or just hanging around, and in the morning the streets are littered and reek of urine. Getting anywhere from the hotel also requires negotiating a couple of busy intersections (a risky business in Manila), somewhat negating the benefits of proximity to points of interest.

Pros:

• Good location, close to everything in Makati.
• Convenient to transportation. Walking distance to the MRT  makes travel easy.
• Nearby Makati Medical Center is a good choice in the event of sickness or accident.
• Low rates.
• Excellent breakfast (set) included in all rates.
• Friendly, helpful staff.
• Refrigerator in all rooms.

Cons:

• Congested, high traffic area, makes walking dangerous.
• It doesn’t feel very safe walking at night.
• Hotel is old, and rooms could use some modernizing.
• Air conditioners and fridges are vintage and noisy.
• As rooms in the front are close to the road, street sounds are a problem.

El Cielito Inn is perfect for anyone seeking inexpensive accommodation in Makati. Convenient location, comfortable rooms, friendly staff, and a great breakfast more than make up for any shortcomings.

Divided We Fall – With a Little Push From the Tea Party

Article first published as Divided We Fall – With a Little Push From the Tea Party on Technorati.

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“United we stand, divided we fall. Let us not split into factions which must destroy that union upon which our existence hangs.” Patrick Henry would be as passionate in delivering this warning to Americans today as he was in 1799.

Today, in light of the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001, the flag and the slogan United We Stand have a renewed meaning for many Americans. Indeed, for several years following the events of 2001, there appeared to be a renewed sense that we are all Americans, and must stand together to withstand threats from foreign enemies. Recently this ideal of common purpose has been lost, and replaced by vitriolic rhetoric, and a belief that the real enemy is anyone with a dissenting opinion.

There may have been periods in the nation’s history when divisions ran deeper. During the Vietnam war it looked as if the country could be torn apart, but this was a divide focused on a specific issue. It would be difficult to find a time in America’s past when the country has been so polarized along left/right lines. Issues no longer seem to matter, and the conflict has been reduced to simply us versus them. If you disagree with my politics, then you are the enemy, and it is my duty to destroy you.

Even Republicans known for their own sharp tongues are urging more moderate language. Newt Gingrich suggested Sarah Palin should give more thought to her words before they emerge from her mouth. Sarah, of course has her own ideas on that subject. In an interview following her “blood libel” remarks, she suggested that her critics are using the Tuscon shootings to silence dissent, “But I will tell you … I am not going to sit down. I am not going to shut up.”

This inability to tolerate other viewpoints seemed to emerge after the election of Barack Obama. Is it what he has done that has lead to this polarization, or is it possible that it is more a case of what he is? The President is a Democrat, far enough to the left that he is often accused of the loathsome sin of socialism. He is an African-American, with roots in foreign countries, cultures and religions. In short, someone easily seen as not truly American.

Since 2008 a new force has emerged on the political scene. The Tea Party likes to tout its self as a grass-roots movement. If we can define grass-roots as white, middle class, right-wing and Christian, then they fit the definition. It is no great surprise that they find little to like in Barack Obama. While not the only culprits in this nasty war of words, they do lead the way, endlessly trumpeting their right to free speech under the Constitution. Strangely, when anyone responds in kind, they cry foul.

What is the goal of the Tea Party? They would like to dismantle pretty much every social initiative of the Obama administration, and anything else that they feel isn’t strictly supported by the Constitution. In short they would like to see an America where decent folk (Republicans) can prosper in the way God intended, where their tax dollars would only go to the most deserving (Republicans), and the poor would remain poor, and the sick remain sick.

Ever wonder what became of the Luddites? They are alive and well in America. They simply changed their name to the Tea Party, and continued with business as usual. The leaders of what they like to call a grass-roots revolution, have a clear vision for their country’s future, and are quite willing to smash everything that stands in their way to realize their goals.

Sarah Shoots Herself in the Foot – Again

Article first published as Sarah Shoots Herself in the Foot — Again on Blogcritics.

Sarah Palin is a remarkable woman, with many strong points, but an instinct for always saying the right thing (in the right words) clearly isn’t one of them.

She blew her most recent opportunity to prove her credibility, by posting a disastrous video intended to absolve herself of any responsibility for the Tuscon shootings. She was absolutely right to defend herself, as there is no evidence that she (or anyone else) influenced the shooter, but once again her inability to find the proper tone, or choose the right words, further damaged her reputation.

She started out being conciliatory, and showing sympathy for the victims, then veered off into the tired old Tea Party rant that America is great because we all have the right to say whatever we want, and these accusations were just aimed at silencing dissent. You’re right Sarah, your enemies have never succeeded in silencing you. Unfortunately, neither have your friends. Even Newt Gingrich, not usually associated with moderate speech, said, “I think that she has got to slow down and be more careful and think through what she’s saying and how she’s saying it,” in reference to some of her recent statements.

Most damaging was her use of the phrase “blood libel.” This was a prepared speech, and it is highly unlikely that she used this specific term unintentionally, or that she was unaware of what it referred to, but once again, instead of simply admitting that she could have chosen her words more carefully, she chose to come out swinging. She offered up her own definition of the term, and insisted that its use was appropriate in this context.

This wasn’t the first time Sarah Palin demonstrated her lack of ability to admit she goofed. Her supporters claimed that it was unfair to criticize her for saying refudiate instead of repudiate. They are correct in pointing out that everyone occasionally has these little slips of the tongue. The problem wasn’t her initial mistake, but her reaction to the criticism. Instead of just laughing the whole thing off, she made herself look more foolish by saying that the English language evolves, and if Shakespeare could make up new words then so could she.

If she really has any thoughts of running in 2012 she will have to abandon her rogue-grizzly mindset. The Republican ballot is shaping up to be a long one, with most of the party’s heavy hitters seeking the nomination. These are veteran campaigners, who have grown wise enough in politics to know that they can’t do it on their own. Candidates for the top office surround themselves with advisers, handlers, spin-doctors and speech writers, and nothing is said or done without it being vetted by this carefully selected team.

If Sarah Palin is serious about 2012, then she needs to assemble her own team, and take advice and direction from them. She demonstrated in 2008 that she has little aptitude for following orders, and unfortunately still shows little desire to do what others ask of her.

It’s probably already too late, but if she wants the Presidency, she will have to curb her talent for shooting from the lip, and learn to be a team player, and she needs to start today.

Senator McCarthy would Be Proud

Article first published as Senator McCarthy Would Be Proud on Technorati.

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While Sarah Palin declaring that Julian Assange is un-American ( he’s Australian) is old news, she continues to make the front pages with her always forceful, and often toxic pronouncements.

The WikiLeaks founder is in good company, as even Barack Obama has made her un-American list. Although making the seemingly pointless distinction that Barack Obama himself isn’t un-American, she believes his policies are. Presidents have been accused of many things, but rarely of not really being American. Obviously only those who share her views and values are real Americans, and those in this select group apparently have a God-given right to condemn anyone with a different vision in the most vitriolic terms.

The term McCarthyism is used in reference to reckless, and unsubstantiated accusations, as well as public attacks on the character or patriotism of political opponents. Senator McCarthy would feel quite comfortable in today’s political climate. Dealing with issues takes second place to character assassination, suggestions of un-Americanism, and thinly veiled threats.

Sarah Palin’s “hunt them down, and shoot them dead” style served her well on the Alaska frontier, but is less appropriate to national politics. Her frequent gun imagery (reload, cross-hairs etc.) is kind of scary in the polarized and highly charged atmosphere of 2011 America.

Speculation is already rife that the recent events in Arizona could somehow damage her career. Some feel that her targeting the congresswoman for removal in 2010 led to the attempted assassination. There has been far too much irresponsible speculation concerning this tragedy. No known facts indicate that Sarah Palin, or anyone else influenced the shooter. It’s most likely that this is the work of a deranged individual acting out his own hate-filled fantasies.

While this sort of unfounded finger-pointing is unjust and unhelpful, it does show how seriously we are starting to look at the effect of the recent toxic rhetoric. Certainly Ms. Palin isn’t helping heal wounds in an increasingly polarized nation. She isn’t alone in using this level of rhetoric, but as the leader in this type of verbiage, she could take the lead in turning down the heat.

Unfortunately, she shows little inclination to tone things down. While the President called for a return to “talking with each other in a way that heals, not a way that wounds,” in her reply to charges that her rhetoric contributed to the shooting, she urged Americans to reject calls from those “seeking to muzzle dissent with shill cries of imagined insults.”

The issue isn’t freedom of speech. Discussion doesn’t have to be hateful, and debating the facts, rather than launching violent personal attacks against opponents, would be much more in keeping with the spirit of the Constitution. The right to say whatever one wants isn’t absolute. The First Amendment allows for protection from imminent or potential violence against particular persons (restrictions on fighting words), or the use of untruths to harm others (slander). The authors of the Constitution would be horrified at how some hate-mongers are hiding behind the First Amendment.

Divisions have become so deep that the two sides can’t even agree to disagree. Respect for opponents and their opinions has been replaced by a mindless hatred of anyone who sees America in a different light. Being un-American is largely based on political viewpoint, yet the level of rhetoric has reached advocating the killing of anyone who fits that description.

Is this truly democracy in action? Is the Constitution nothing more than a guarantee of our right to spew out our hatred against anyone with a different vision for America? Perhaps it’s time to step back, and take a hard look at where all this super-charged rhetoric is taking the nation. With public figures like Sarah Palin ramping up the heat, it may not happen soon enough.

The senator would be proud. McCarthyism is alive and well in America.