That I saw some time back - The American President. In it, Michael Douglas stars as the President of the United States. His character is a widower with a teenage daughter, his wife having died during his campaign. The movie also stars Annette Benning as a professional lobbyist who is hired by an organization to push an environmental bill.

The two meet, and become romantically involved. Which unfortunately provides political fodder for Michael Douglas’s political opponent, played by Richard Dreyfuss. A photo of Annette Benning’s character at an activist rally while she was in college surfaces, a photo in which an American flag is being burned. Dreyfuss and his party (Republicans by the way) use the photo, Benning’s past, and aspersions on her character as well as the President’s, to make political hay.

In the movie, which is very good, everything ends up working out - it is a romantic film after all. LOL. However, I bring it up as an example of how the current administration is using innocent and perfectly legal actions against not only those legally within our country - but potentially against our own citizens. As has been expressed by some here, we must all decide whether we wish to hide and quietly acquiesce to what is being purpetrated by the current administration and the leadership of the Republican Party, or do we exercise our rights and protest the rape of our country? Do we bury our heads in the sand and hope that evil passes us by? Or do we stand up and be counted?

Each must choose what they feel is the best path for them, but in the words of Patrick Henry,

I shall speak forth my sentiments freely and without reserve. This is no time for ceremony. The question before the House is one of awful moment to this country. For my own part, I consider it as nothing less than a question of freedom or slavery; and in proportion to the magnitude of the subject ought to be the freedom of the debate. It is only in this way that we can hope to arrive at truth, and fulfill the great responsibility which we hold to God and our country. Should I keep back my opinions at such a time, through fear of giving offense, I should consider myself as guilty of treason towards my country, and of an act of disloyalty toward the Majesty of Heaven, which I revere above all earthly kings…..

Why stand we here idle? What is it that gentlemen wish? What would they have? Is life so dear, or peace so sweet, as to be purchased at the price of chains and slavery? Forbid it, Almighty God! I know not what course others may take; but as for me, give me liberty or give me death!

Others will choose as they must, but I for one cannot stand idly by and watch the injustice which is being purpetrated on my fellow man. I do not advocate violence, but if we are not willing to stand up for our beliefs, to stand up for Justice and the rule of law, then we deserve that which we will get.