Message #10908

[sinatrafan]

I have never understood the rancor in some people's words when they speak about the ACLU. it stands for American Civil Liberties Union. And it's not an organization of terrorists or hate-mongers; it's a group of lawyers.  Their only purpose is to defend the Bill of Rights, to ensure that the rights guaranteed by the Constitution protect all of us, equally. Visit the ACLU websiste sometime (aclu.org) and see for yourselves some of the lawsuits they have filed--against racial profiling, in favor of free speech, against religious persecution. I certainly don't agree with every case the ACLU takes on, but I agree with and wholeheartedly support their mission.  And every case they have won (and mostly, that's what they do; they win) is because of their compelling arguments in favor of  the Bill of Rights and equal protection, for all American citizens.



Jerry Falwell has preached a theology of intolerance and divisiveness for 30 years. His most recent comments are in no way a deviation, or simply a case of gracelessness under pressure. But much as I despise Jerry and everything he stands for, the ACLU would be the first to rise in defense of his right to free expression. Isn't that a wondeful irony?



And as we embark on this war against terrorism, it will be the ACLU that makes sure that Congress, the FBI and the CIA don't chip away at our freedoms.  And God bless them for that. Because if we become a less free society because of the horrific events of September 11, then the terrorists will have devastated so much more than the magnificent skyline of New York City and the maze or corridors at the Pentagon.  And damn it, we can't give them that.  



Peace, everybody.