For a text version of this article click here LAND OF THE FREE? by Theresa Cahill Copyright 2006 - All Rights Reserved February 25, 2006 - Let me begin by making the statement that the issues below deal specifically with the United States, but I personally feel they apply to the world as a whole. Individuals make up this planet, and we have responsibilities. This article is such a deviation from my typical writing, but some things just need to be said or a person will go crazy. Here we, the citizens of the United States, sit on what should be a peaceful Saturday morning with our fate in the hands of those that hold only TEMP JOBS in Washington, D.C. The latest development? The current administration [secretly] is selling off the security rights to our major U.S. ports: Miami, New York, Philadelphia, New Jersey, Baltimore, New Orleans Sure enough, "the Bush administration approved the ports deal last month"(1) giving up control of our major harbors to the United Arab Emirate (UAE). How does that grab you??? It should tear your heart out and make you break out in a cold sweat! Our country is supposed to be based on the premise that "we the people" make the decisions. The Declaration of Independence (the men that signed that 200+ years ago must be rolling over in their graves!) clearly states that those in a position to act MUST act. It's not referring to the temp job holders in Washington, D.C., and various States and counties - it refers to US, the citizens, the individuals comprising this country. I've been on this planet for about a half a century now, and the one thing I've always (tried) to believe is that we the people have the right to speak up and defend what is right for ALL OF US. Do we just continue to sit by and let the temp workers of our nation dictate our fate? Are we afraid of reprisal? Or are we just so lazy we'll leave our lives in the hands of others? Shock, disgust, disappointment, fear - these must be overcome and "we the people" need to get a grip and voice our opinions. You have the right to be heard. You have the responsibility to be heard. Contact your government representatives on this, and EVERY issue. If we don't, we give up our rights and the rights of future generations. Freedom... is it just a hollow word? * * * * * (1) Las Vegas Review Journal, "Bush might delay ports deal" Friday, February 24, 2006 ====================================== ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Theresa Cahill is the owner of My Wizard Ads. Her job is to make your online advertising experience as effective and effortless as possible! http://www.mywizardads.com