I occasionally get asked why I want to flee. My stock answer is "health care," which is true as far as it goes. If pressed I might go into the more general concept of a social safety net, and the idea that taxes are the price we pay to live in a civilised society.
All of that? After-the-fact rationalization. This is the real reason. And more. And. . . hell, just read most of yesterday and today's posts from Digby.
By May 2004 it was obvious that these sorts of things were going on, and were sanctioned by the government. And in November 2004 a majority of Americans said that was okay by them.
But everything changed in 2008, right? No. Nothing changed. Change would be at the very least a clear statement that these things were Wrong, that those responsible would be punished, and that safeguards would be put in place to ensure that nothing like this would happen again. Instead we get the lie that "The United States does not torture," reassurances that no one will be prosecuted, and no changes.
I have no use for people who can't or won't say, "This is wrong."
(There's a longer, more personal, post gestating on why I take this so personally. Or maybe not; it may end up being too personal to share at all. The heavily shortened version is that powerlessness, and abuses of power, are highly triggery things for me.)
All of that? After-the-fact rationalization. This is the real reason. And more. And. . . hell, just read most of yesterday and today's posts from Digby.
By May 2004 it was obvious that these sorts of things were going on, and were sanctioned by the government. And in November 2004 a majority of Americans said that was okay by them.
But everything changed in 2008, right? No. Nothing changed. Change would be at the very least a clear statement that these things were Wrong, that those responsible would be punished, and that safeguards would be put in place to ensure that nothing like this would happen again. Instead we get the lie that "The United States does not torture," reassurances that no one will be prosecuted, and no changes.
I have no use for people who can't or won't say, "This is wrong."
(There's a longer, more personal, post gestating on why I take this so personally. Or maybe not; it may end up being too personal to share at all. The heavily shortened version is that powerlessness, and abuses of power, are highly triggery things for me.)