If our nation is built upon the edifice of liberty and justice, then wouldn't national security, ipso facto, entail the defense of the very ideas of liberty and justice? Shouldn't fighting for civil rights and civil liberties be considered a matter of national security too?
Well, apparently a Democratic nominee for Congress in the 19th District of New York, John Hall, is running on the platform of "Redefining National Security." If you ask me, that's a terrific idea!
The current administration has used the term "national security" to take away our civil liberties, to endanger our environment, to promote corporatism over individualism, and to do just about whatever it likes. It is time to take back the term "national security" and use it to include all the things that truly define our security.
Saving the environment is a matter of national security. Educating our children is a matter of national security. Healthcare is a matter of national security. Civil liberties are a matter of national security.
Here is how John Hall defines "national security":
"America will be more secure when:
- Our armed forces are not only the best trained and equipped in the world, but they are used in combat only against a genuine threat and for the specific jobs they are trained to do.
- Our reputation around the world is above reproach, and our nation's actions inspire admiration and the support of our allies.
- All our elected and appointed officials are honest and competent, trusted here and abroad not to manipulate events for political or personal gain.
- A world-class education is provided for all our children, enabling them as innovative adults to contribute to our national brain trust, create new jobs and industries, and compete in the world economy.
- All citizens have access to quality, affordable, accessible health care, including prescription drugs at negotiated, competitive prices.
- Social Security benefits are guaranteed for the indefinite future, for us, our parents, and our children.
- We develop and produce alternative sources of energy that do not poison our environment, ship billions of dollars overseas, or involve us with despotic or unstable regimes.
- Victims of natural disasters in this country are supported and restored as much as possible to normalcy, and our infrastructures here at home are rebuilt as needed.
- Our environment is recognized as central to our security because of the connection between pollution and health, and we join the majority of nations in reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
- We invest in America through a fair and adequate tax code, rather than mortgaging our children's future with record budget and trade deficits.
- Our laws and regulations are not written by and for the lobbyists and campaign contributors, but for the health, economic, and physical security of Americans and the United States of America."
John Hall for Congress in the 19th District of New York!
