Bush is constantly talking about freedom though it is quite clear he is either disingenuous or hasn't a clue about what he is talking about. The danger of his ignorance can be seen in the evolving Constitution that is being drafted in Iraq in 2005.
I always like to point to 3 historic milestones when talking about this topic:
* The development of language about 200,000 years ago. Many anthropologists believe that a mutation occurred in humans about 200,000 years ago which allowed the evolution of complex communication. It is thought that this ability to speak allowed the tribal peons to conspire and eventually dethrone the Alpha male social structure, leading to a more egalitarian social structure.
* About 1,000 years ago there was the signing of the Magna Charta. This put restrictions on what a king could to do to his people.
* A little over 200 years ago there was the signing of the US Constitution and Bill of Rights. In spite of the terrible shortcomings of the American Empire, this document stands as an achievement and gift to the rest of humankind. I don't believe we have even begun to see the full implementation of the principles laid down in this great document.
It is this last milestone which Bush never seemed to have fully comprehended. It guaranteed some of the most important liberties for humankind: freedom of expression, freedom of assembly, freedom of speech. But the important element that Bush has forgot is the separation of church and state. In the case of Iraq we are seeing inclusion of Islam into their constitution. This is a huge mistake because it will propel Iraq towards a one-sided theocracy and will ultimately prevent the realization of a truly free republic in Iraq.
The NAFA agenda demands that "separation of church and state" is taken extremely seriously. This means, among other things, that:
* Religion is completely absent from any constitution in any country. There is no better way to prevent the exploitation of those that aren't interested in adhering to the state's sanctioned religion.
* Religious icons or idols will never be protected from a individual's freedom of speech. This means that flags, bibles and Koran's will never be protected from ridicule or destruction. Ideas (e.g., religious belief) will never be protected from discussion or ridicule.
* Religious practices will be strictly absent from a public activity. This means no "Ten Commandments", no Halal or Kosher meats and no "Lords Prayer" in our schools.
* The "Faith Based Initiative" Program needs to be seriously re-evaluated and should most probably be discontinued.
* Pressure should be brought to bare on ending all theocratic forms of government that, in any way, discriminate against the free and voluntary practice of any legitimate religion. This would require an end to all theocratic nations states including Saudi Arabia, Iran and China.
American Civil Liberties Union
www.aclu.org