So the "Whitehouse" is protesting the two-year prison sentence for Pussy Riot. Politicians shake their twitter fists of shame against the Russian Regime.
But where will the outrage be for Julian Assange? Oh that is right there wont be any. While Julian Assange is part of a diplomatic tug-o-war we have our Political Elite calling the Russian System shameful. Meanwhile Assanage is wanted for Sexual Assault charges in Sweden, but everyone knows these charges are specious and merely a reason extradite him and subsequently hand him over to the United States. Then he is to be thrown into a hole or Git'Mo. Bradley Manning and Assange are the enemy to the Congressional Military Industrial Complex so they must be stopped.
The Pussy Riot case shows how transparent the American Political Establishment is. The powerful only champion freedom of speech when it is obvious and when it does not have an impact on them (which is to say us). But speak out against the US Government, well we can't have any of this.
President Obama and Kelly Ayotte you can shame the Russians for an absurd punishment all you want. But, WE know it is just political grandstanding. Republicans and Democrats at least can agree on one thing. Freedom of Speech is bullshit and a prop that is used to get the citizens to think we are free.
Everyone is choosing sides in the Chick-Fil-A controversy. The LGBT community is outraged that a company that is not open on Sundays would be against Gay Marriage (at least the corporate leadership). So as a good Lib I am not eating at the controversial chicken joint. Full disclosure: this is not some grand sacrifice for me. I have only eaten Chick-Fil-A a few times. It's pretty good but whatever. The weird thing to me is not someone wanting to protest a restaurant or business because of their policies, service, or products. It just seems odd that people are going to Chick-Fil-A to show how much they hate gay people. If you never went to Chick-Fil-A before this controversy and are now a PROUD supporter you sir are a buffoon. If you choose to eat there or not to eat there great. But... get over yourself.
Rodimus Prime the co-host of The Black Guy Who Tips made a great point. If you want everyone to boycott Chick-Fil-A because of their stance on Gay Marriage are you going to boycott your grandmother because she feels the same way? It is easy to demonize an amoral entity when they make a [im]moral stand. It actually takes courage to express to your family ie your elders they are on the wrong side of an issue. Old people are the ones voting when these initiatives are on the ballots Additionally if you are tweeting about Chick-Fil-A from your iPhone like this person you should be aware of how an iPhone is made.
The conditions at Foxconn are horrendous. Workers are forced to live in cramped dormitories and conditions are so bad there is a problem with suicide inside the factory and nets were put in place to catch workers trying to kill themselves. But Apple is not the only company guilty of questionable actions. In fact if you use nearly any electronic device it is likely comprised of Rare Earths. Most rare earths such as Scandium, Cerium, Erbium, Terbium etc are mined in China (about 97% of global supply). According to Tim Folger (National Geographic June 2011) rare earth mines also contain uranium and thorium which are radioactive. The radioactive materials poison local water supplies and farm land.
But hey, if we can get (relatively) cheap electronics who cares right?
1st Amendment Rights
Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances. - The Constitution of the United States of America Can you tell where the hell in the 1st amendment you are protected from criticism? I guess I missed that day in Constitutional Law with Dr Jules Gleicher. Oh no it's because it does not exist.
Let me explain the FIRST AMENDMENT to you all.
The citizens are protected from the GOVERNMENT. The government may not interfere with your ability to speak your mind or publish awful material (such as this blog). Yes, Dan Cathy is free to express is opinion. The citizens/consumers are free to exercise their opinions regarding such comments as an opinion on gay marriage.
I am really tired of these clowns misstating what the 1st amendment really is.
Regarding mayors discussing the topic... at this point it is just words. the subject is nuanced and can be discussed intelligently. I don't think it is the right tactic for a mayor or other elected official to say Chick-Fil-A is not welcome but it does not come near a first amendment issue unless laws are passed either at the federal or local level. This rudimentary understanding of the first amendment is not only laughable but it is crippling to our society and our debates.
Systemic Problem
Go to Chick-Fil-A or boycott it. In the end I don't really care You really think that company is the only one giving money to rightwing groups? We have a systemic problem because of Super-PACs and Citizens United. Large companies give their money to right wing groups. This happens because for are amoral and the right wing faction is only concerned with profits and lower taxes no matter the cost to society (these ideas are usually called externalities in the business community I guess it makes it easier to not give a shit when fancy words are used). Organizations such as ALEC provide legislation to congresspersons (see I'm a good lib) and state legislators to further conservative policies.
We have a system in place that allows for the consolidation of power to large companies. If we want to boycott individual companies that is fine but if you boycott McDonalds because of reason X or Y do you really think your Whopper Meal from Burger King is any different. I personally don't shop at Wal-Mart (for a number of reasons) but I really doubt target is really that much better. Until I have my self-sustaining farm in the mountains I guess I will have to join the rest of society and shop at evil companies. But I guess just shop a little less (so I can sleep at night).
Libs can still eat chicken though But at least there is one chicken chain we can all go to.
