The Political Witch
The Solitary Witch
Staff Writer: Agate
Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech; or the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble; and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances.
~First Amendment of the Constitution of the United States of America
They that can give up essential liberty to obtain a little temporary safety, deserve neither liberty nor safety.
~Benjamin Franklin
There are those who believe that religion and politics are two separate entities and must never mix, and in a governmental sphere, this is most assuredly true. But on a personal level, religion is part of who we are and therefore informs our political decisions, and that is okay. While our founding fathers advocated separation of church and state, they also acknowledged the importance of religion in the lives of people.
I am of the opinion that the First Amendment is the most important of the Bill of Rights. My dad might argue that bearing arms, amendment two, is more important, but how can you know to take up arms against oppressors if there is no one who can tell you there might be a need? The First Amendment guarantees the freedom of religion, speech, the press, and of peaceful assembly, all things you will not find in theocracies.
These rights have remained prime, standing against all attempts at censorship and oppression for most of Americas history.
Then came the greatest tragedy in our history9/11. Suddenly, it seemed our First Amendment rights became dangerous to national security. They were battered down under a barrage of Nationalistic terms such as America, right or wrong and Love it or Leave it; then of course the questionable text of the PATRIOT Act. Americans became a bunch of simpering children hiding from the bogeyman, all too willing to give up guaranteed freedoms in exchange for promises of safety and revenge. Terrorists do not win by killing; they win by destroying what they hateour way of life. The more we tremble in fear the more we empower those who wished to terrorize us.
Sound harsh? Maybe it is, but Ive watched much of America roll over and show its soft underbelly to those in government for whom Freedom is a four letter word and a prohibitor of profit. We are told it is a different world we live in now, but it is not that the world has changedterrorism has always existed, even here in America (think Oklahoma Bombing)its that we have suddenly been exposed to it by outside forces.
Remember 9/11 has become a meaningless catchphrase tacked onto the end of political speeches to rouse applause and maybe even a little fear at the memory. Meanwhile the things that made America special and great are trampled under waves of nationalism and loyalist sentiment, neither of which are patriotic in nature.
So why the rant? Why the deviation from my spiritual path to a political one?
Perhaps because I live under a president who has openly stated his belief that my religion is not a real religion.
Perhaps because I see my personal rights being eroded in the name of Patriotism.
Perhaps because more people voted in the last American Idol episode than in the last presidential election.
Perhaps because Congress votes itself a raise every year, but thinks $5.15 an hour is too much for the American minimum wage worker to live on.
Perhaps because old men who never fought in a war are sending young people to die in one.
Perhaps because the crazy people have taken over the asylum and the guy who used to put lit firecrackers into the butts of frogs is making the rules.
Do I care if you agree with my political beliefs? Not really. The beauty of the First Amendment is we dont have to agree to be Americans.
So, remember the Boston Tea Party and the Revolutionary War; remember the abolitionists and the feminists; remember Martin Luther King Jr. and Thomas Jefferson; remember no one changed the world sitting on their butts in front of the TV or from behind closet doors.
Dissent is the epitome of patriotism, it is what our country was founded on and is protected by law. Dissent is our legacy and our responsibility not only as Americans, but also as Pagans who have had to fight harder than most for our First Amendment rights. We must hold those in power accountable for what they do.
There is no excuse for not voting in the upcoming election and every one afterwards. If you dont, then you have no right to bitch when we end up with more of the same, or even worse, things continue to deteriorate.