The end of America and ten steps to fascism: this is step nine

The US is unique among the nations of the world. Somehow we've always managed to strike a balance that keeps us in business. I'm 60. I remember my Grandmother saying, "When the Democrats are in office they sink our ships, shoot down our planes, but the economy gets straightened out. When the Republicans are in office we go to war maintaining our dominate world position, but spend ourselves out & mainly just take care of big business."

My Grandmother was born in 1909. Seems to me like we're continuing to do the same thing.

To the Democrats and liberals among us, I point out that this world is not as we would have it. Tending our own knitting we can do. But it's better to stay involved and not expect rational behavior from irrational people. If we don't pay attention to all the rest of the folks in the world then one rises up and bites us in the butt. In all the years of our existance, the world has never run out of people like this.

To the Republicans and hawks I say we can't make the world over in our image. Our role is to present a good example and guide when we're able. VietNam, Afgan & Iraq have illustrated that strong arm tactics don't always work; and that's not our job anyway. I'll also say that while big business is essential to our nation, it can't be at the expense of the people that do the work.

In American politics we mainly line up on two sides, each party reflecting a different view on what's important. But when the president takes office, his oath isn't to the party and he can't act that way. The Democrats will probably win this election; but it's Mr. Obama we're electing.

Mr. Clinton brought us back from a serious deficit, but only fired off a couple of missles at Osama to let him know we weren't happy. 9-11 was the result of that. Mr. Bush retaliated in Afgan and then carried it even further with Iraq, both with mixed results. Some good has been done, but neither country is stable and our troops aren't going to make it so. But we've sure spent ourselves back in the hole again.

I keep hoping for a president that's gifted in BOTH domestic & international relations. It would be nice to have a balance for once. Maybe Obama? Leave us hope.

Americans need to wake up to this. When Obama is elected they need to make sure he recinds this and all similar laws.

America scares the hell out of me at times. This is such a time.

These people getting arrested for nothing makes me sick. The whole Patriot Act, especially the nature of the name, is disgusting. Making people feel safer while stealing their freedom out from under them. I'd rather die in another terrorist attack if it means people would still have the freedom of speech and the freedom of assembly. I didn't write that on accident, I would and i will die for it if thats what it takes. Put a gun to my head and prove me wrong. I am a patriot and i'm not a conservative. I know i know, hard to believe for some.