Craig A. Middlemass 329
#16988-014

"WHAT STRANGE BEDFELLOWS BE THESE BASTIANS OF DEMOCRACY"

In this four-part piece, I'll attempt to make some sense of
the many DISPARATE, DUPLICITOUS and even DESTRUCTIVE POLICIES
involving the Lawmakers, Enforcers, Manipulators and Executioners,
who compose our system of justice.

Part 1 - "The Lawmakers"

To begin with, I'd like to define the function of government
as I see it, Contrary to the desires of those who love the domi-
nence and control over others, the true and original function of
this government was to protect it's people from physical and
financial harm, from sources both foreign and domestic, build and
maintain roads, create laws and collect taxes to pay for all of
it.

Then came endowments for health, education, welfare, and even
the arts, which caused taxpayers to groan. More programs meant
more taxes and more encroachment into our lives. But what happened?
What caused a society of strong willed, pioneer stock to become
complacent with have their every action, action, idea, desire, and
acquisition subjected to the whim of a group of individuals (mostly
lawyers), whose only purpose is to address personal agendas and that
which will get them re-elected to a position of wealth, security,
and power over others?

We need an effective governing body in place for the country
to properly function! So, who or what is responsible for the
quality of people that we put into office? Madison Avenue may sell
them to us, but it is our ignorance that continues to elect these
would-be "voices of the people", who seen more than willing to
ignore ideals that were fought for throughout history, simply
for a vacation in Tahiti or some other perk paid for by any of
a thousand lobby groups. Unfortunately, most of those who could
make a difference lack the egos that political aspirations seem to
exude. However, their input, guidance and influence could help
effect the necessary changes to archaic policies.

Grassroots and watchdog groups need to continually seek
answers to any and all pivotal questions such as:

Why are we besieged by so many invasive laws that have
nothing to do with physical or financial injury to any-
one, yet carry incredibly harsh punishments?

Why is the federal government continually usurping "States's
Authority", and then threatening to withhold funding if
they do not introduce costly programs that are already
bleeding from obsolescence?

The people need to ask themselves if "The Patriot Act" actually
improved national security or just allowed our own government to
terrorize those who look to it for protection. In the 50's, 60's
and 70's, American children were warned about the "Red Menace" and
how in Russia, East Germany, Cuda, and China, government officials
tapped phones, monitored mail, censored information and could
forcefully enter homes and businesses, seizing whatever they
wished. They would often arrest people for as little as speaking
their minds. I'm so glad that we're safe from such vehement
intolerance!

Scenario:

A man is arrested in Connecticut for Armed Robbery, using a
Colt Pistol that was manufacture in Hartford which is a state
charge. The F.B.I. goes to great lengths to show that the firing
pin of the pistol was manufactured out-of-state, which under current
federal law, makes it federal crime under an interstate commerce
statute. Why are they so aggressively challenging state's rights
and abilities to govern and prosecute their own constituents?

Many drug and sexually factored charges seem to find their way
into federal court using the same reasoning. They cite interstate
commerce to encompass everything from where drugs or drug paraphe-
nalia come from, or where sim cards or camera batteries were
manufactured, to the transport of computer hard drives, discs, or
photographs that have traveled across geographic boundaries.

Even cyberspace has been given physical status so that agents
from I.C.E. (Immigration and Customs Enforcement), and other Home-
land Security thugs can monitor, control and police the Internet
under the guise of protecting us from ourselves. Also, isn't
anyone concerned about this so-called super server that the N.S.A.
is supposed to make operational in August? Could it be true that
it is designed to monitor all worldwide communications; or is this
something dreamed up for a coast-to-coast diatribe. If there is
truth to any of this, then I guess Orwell's math was off by 28 years!

O.K., let's visit the main cause of all this pandemonium -
CONGRESS ! Those former business owners, local politicians and
next door neighbors who have been able to convince you that they
have your best interest(and not their further bank balances), at
heart. Unlike the indomitable character played by Jimmy Stewart
in "Mr. Smith Goes To Washington", even the most scrupulous poli-
ticians can be tempted by the dark side to relinquish self-esteem
(and your well-being), for financial security and power.

So, what is the recipe for public office? Fill the pot with
a boatload of money from any individual, company, organization or
group who wants something. Stir in a shiny new appearance, a lot
of coaching and a few carefully orchestrated, impromptu meetings
with the press.