Witnessing my first naturalization ceremony made me realize what a mockery

[indepat]

the religious right and others have made of every principle and ideal the Federal Judge so eloquently expressed as the joys and privileges and duties (including dissent) of American citizenship. I know it's just probably me and there is probably little leeway in what the presiding Judge must say, but his honor seemed to stress to our new citizens those freedoms and liberties, as expressed in the Bill of Right, that have most been under attack by so many of the religious right and in positions of power in the three major branches of government.

[dbeach]

1. Saw my wife take the OATH

and its a moving experince.
busheviks and neo-cons have trashed and shredded the Constitution and Bill of Rights.
ALL for their own profits and glory.The USA is so close to totalitarianism.
NEVER been closer since 1776.

I believe that bush silently declared martial law on 9/11/01 as part of their imperial plans regardless if he did 9/11 or whatever..he is a ruthless pol and his elite sponsors are raping the treasury while using the war as cover...Pat act ,natl ID and all these loss of liberties indicate bush has declared himself emperor.

My wife LOVES the USA and she loves her freedom..she grew up under communism and this is what bush is forcing down our throats.

[Kraklen]

2. I know what you mean. I saw some officers commissioned...

at a graduation ceremony last Sunday. It was all about swearing to protect the Constitution. It really illustrates what a mockery Gitmo and Abu Ghraib have made of it.

[WhoWantsToBeOccupied]

3. My wife's naturalization ceremony...

...was the same way. I was actually moved by the judge's words. But the wonderful mood was shattered when a "patriot" later told the crowd the importance of worshipping the flag, supporting our great government, etc. I'm sure he didn't preach the blessings of the 2nd Amendment, but it sure felt that way.

The ceremony I attended was perhaps five years ago. At the time, I was still under the naive believe that the reality of my country approximated its ideals. Oh how I wish I could return to that ignorant bliss!