Comments on: Guest Commentary – At What Point by Tom Shaw

By: KRidge

KRidge — Sun, 19 Jul 2009 16:41:47 +0000

The question should be rephrased as “at what point does the military and police decide to overthrow the democratically elected representatives of ‘We the People’ under the pretext of defending the Constitution?”

Dictatorships around the world have used the same argument to seize power for centuries.

The decision of our Funding Fathers to overthrow English rule because they had no representation (we were a colony) is a very different matter than overthrowing a government we elected (did you forget that part?)

And how many Tea Party protestors were beaten, jailed, or killed? None. But their rights were violated because someone made fun of them? This is now a violation of their First Amendment rights?

This is nonsense rhetoric disguised as Constitutional theory.

By: taco

taco — Thu, 25 Jun 2009 16:05:46 +0000

Abraham Lincoln was also the same president that suspended habeas corpus.

Trampling the Constitution is nothing new. John Adams even did so with the Alien and Sedition Act and John Adams was a respectable man. Thank goodness men like Thomas Jefferson were elected to right that wrong. But my my, we have gone WAY too long without someone like Jefferson to right the wrongs.

By: Berton Van Antwerpen

Berton Van Antwerpen — Thu, 25 Jun 2009 16:01:01 +0000

Using guns to rebel or overthrow our elected government is not the same as revolting against a dictator (King George). If our police chief does not like the laws–he should run for office (which he is doing—you go guy!) or vote for politicians he agrees with. Our chief does a great job enforcing our laws–he should not use rhetoric that toys with the idea of revolt or violence. When the lawless start shooting we will lose our freedom and liberty—to the very nuts who say they are protecting them.

By: midnightq

midnightq — Wed, 24 Jun 2009 21:43:55 +0000

I desire freedom and liberty. I too hope for a peaceful process to restore our liberties. I have been wondering which point do we have to fight or should we fight?

Excellent thoughts and well written to express our concern although people with the opposing worldview may never understand it, I hope and pray that they will someday.

I am thankful for our freedom of speech no matter how ridiculed to express these concerns.

By: Al Bregar

Al Bregar — Wed, 24 Jun 2009 20:41:14 +0000

Mr. Van Antwerpen,

Would you consider our countries founding fathers nuts. They faced this very dilemma at the birth of our nation. They had to decide whether they were going to side with an oppressive government or to rise up in opposition to earn their freedom.

So which side would you rather have Mr. Shaw fall on. A government that has become more oppressive, or the people who desire freedom?

By: Berton Van Antwerpen

Berton Van Antwerpen — Wed, 24 Jun 2009 20:21:47 +0000

Great — the police chief of Laurens threatens to be close to siding with those who would rebel against the tyranny of our government–while he draws his navy pension. Threatening to side with those with guns, “military and police,” to override the sitting government is so patriotic. This is mindless crap and encourages the nuts.