posted 2007/07/20 at 14:35
Instead, let's go back to this day in 1948 for a couple of events. First of all, twelve leaders of the Communist Party USA were indicted under the Alien Registration Act, better known as the Smith Act. The Smith Act is the closest thing to a sedition clause on the federal books today, and although there haven't been any prosecutions under this Act in my lifetime, surely there are those on the right who would love to see it start to be used again to silence, or at the least intimidate, the anti-war movement here. Taken by itself this event might not hold so much historical significance, were it not for the fact that on the exact same day as these indictments, President Truman reinstated the military draft even though the United States was not in any officially declared war, citing the ever-increasing "menace" from the Soviet Union in doing so. You know what they say about those who learn nothing from history. On that note, let's play the friday5.org Friday Five.
1. What’s overdue for a good cleaning?
Pretty much everything in my room is in need of a good dusting at this point. I've never been that good about dusting to start with, and with how busy I've been these past couple of months I have really, really let things go too far here.
2. What’s overdue for some kind of professional examination, service, maintenance, or upkeep?
My Camry. In addition to the fact that the driver's side window won't roll down, and hasn't for over a year now, and I don't have air conditioning which makes summer drives a real pain, there's a weird squeaking and rattling sound coming from the rear window on the driver's side. The car also needs some brake work done, I think.
3. Who’s overdue for a phone call or letter to you?
To me? I've never been one to expect friends to contact me out of the blue, but given that I've hardly been on any instant messaging software at all lately, I've kind of fallen out of touch with Jessi and that makes me sad in the heart.
4. What’s overdue for an appearance in your neighborhood?
I'd say a good, loud thunderstorm at a time of the evening when I can enjoy it without worrying about all I'm not getting done by unplugging my computer equipment just to be on the safe side, but not so late that I just want to sleep instead of enjoy the storm.
5. Who’s overdue for a good comeuppance?
He knows who he is.
Thanks for this informative piece!
Would you be willing to spread the word about www.draftresistance.org? It's a site dedicated to shattering the myths surrounding the selective slavery system and building mass civil disobedience to stop the draft before it starts.
Our banner on a website, printing and posting the anti-draft flyer or just telling friends would help.
Thanks!
Scott Kohlhaas
PS. When it comes to conscription, an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure!
copyright © 2008 Sean Shannon