|
Clinton
clemency offer raises questions about U.S. political prisoners
|
|
American Political Prisoners
9/8/1999
Yes! I feel that the issue of political prisoners in the US is a serious issue.
While too many Americans are either distracted while working to make ends meet; distracted with the problems of their immediate
localities or distracted by foolish entertainment and other diversions, the fact
remains that if America is to survive, she must live up to the principles that she ideologically espouses.
While America "forces down the throats" of developing nations her concepts so-called "democracy", human rights and the rule of law, how
ironic it is to see these principle denied to her own citizens. I cannot think of a greater contradiction to so-called "American values and
democracy" than the reality of "political prisoners" within her own borders.
For instance, the Congress will authorize funds for the violent
overthrow and destabilization of foreign governments while justifying that violence as a means to an end. Furthermore, these same legislators
(and sometimes the President himself) will point to "freedom from oppression" as the
excuse to not only bomb, maim and destroy, but also to utterly devastate entire populations, national economies and ways of
life and religion.
When I see these contradictions coming from the highest offices of the American government, I am led to believe that America's days as a
so-called free and independent nation are numbered. Also, when I see conservative politicians shed
crocodile tears over the victims of terrorism (at home and abroad), I wonder how much blood they have on
their own hands. What hypocrisy!
America should unconditionally release all of her political prisoners (Black, white, Hispanic, Native American and others) and instead of
going to Iran to free Israeli spies, maybe Rev. Jackson could even help by working in America to release those who are languishing in American
prisons for life and those on death row.
William Muhammad
El Paso, TX
Political Prisoners
9/8/1999
It's an issue that's serious because the
government and people don't want to address the reality that political
prisoners are in America.
Most people would like to
think that there is no direct relationship between the number of people
who are incarcerated in America, and the historical, racial, economic,
social, educational, cultural and political factors that have led to their
incarceration.
As a spiritual bankrupt
people, it is very difficult to see the obvious, especially when your
spiritual center is materialistic. The unnatural and unjust suffering of
fellow human beings pales in light of an individuals need to go to K-Mart
for that next sale.
We are a sad and sick people
and only God will be able to restore the things that we have taken out of
their proper order.
Jacob Coleman
Buffalo, N.Y.
Political Prisoners
9/9/1999
I believe that this is a serious issue because when a person or persons
speak regarding their political ideology and it is suppressed by the government, it sends a subtle message to others to keep their mouths shut
and fall in line or else. Also this country shouldn't have hypocritical laws, if
there is a 1st amendment then stick to it.
Mtima F.
Atlanta, Ga.
Political Prisoners
9/12/1999
I think this is a very serious issue which needs some serious addressing. Because anytime a person is put in jail for their views whether political or religious then we as a nation (U.S.A) have a serious problem.
The crime is the nation (U.S.A) coming up or
entrapping a innocent people of phony charges throwing away a valuable life in a cage like a animal. We need to get this issue at the forefront for the next election, If this issue is not settled by this president.
Shahid Muhammad
Dallas, Texas
|