Freedom requires constant vigilenceThe links collected here are intended to provide food for thought and action. I believe our fears and our inertia have created a serious challenge to our freedoms as Americans. Rights are being usurped and limited in startling ways. As Americans, WE are the only ones who can make sure we don't lose these rights, not only for our sakes but also for our children .. and their children.
We must rise out of our lethargy and begin to face the reality of the petty politics, mindful greed and purposeful manipulation closing around us in everyday life.
Please make your own button and page, or link to mine. Or just take my button if you want it. I will link back to you, as well. I will be adding more material as I have time. Send me links you think would add value and I'll put them on -- or, if you have direct content, I can link to that or create a web page for it.
The U.S. Constitution. "We, the people of the United States..."
The First 10. The initial Amendments to the Constitution, called the Bill of Rights. It is a good idea to read ALL of the Amendments. Know Your Rights.
The Declaration of Independence. Do we need a new one?
THREATS TO FREEDOM
Secrecy. Abuse of power. Political manipulation: a statement from the American Civil Liberties Union.
The USA Patriots Act. Do we really want to resort to tyranny in the name of security?
Media chokes off dissent in favor of profits. This is a story-in-progress. Media conglomerates have tried desperately to avoid discussing this. At the 11th hour, a debate is emerging. There is much to lose.
Why care about radio consolidation? This is an excellent starting point for a comprehensive picture.
Poverty levels in America are a national scandal, especially for children under 18 years old.
Child abuse. It doubled between 1986 and 1993. Are you surprised?
Youth Risk Behavior. Think of it as a despair-o-meter:
three fourths of all deaths among persons aged 10--24 years result from only four causes: Results from the 2001 national Youth Risk Behavior Survey demonstrated that numerous high school students engage in behaviors that increase their likelihood of death from these four causes: Substantial morbidity and social problems among young persons also result from unintended pregnancies and STDs, including HIV infection.
- 14.1% had rarely or never worn a seat belt during the 30 days preceding the survey;
- 30.7% had ridden with a driver who had been drinking alcohol;
- 17.4% had carried a weapon during the 30 days preceding the survey;
- 47.1% had drunk alcohol during the 30 days preceding the survey;
- 23.9% had used marijuana during the 30 days preceding the survey;
- and 8.8% had attempted suicide during the 12 months preceding the survey.
In 2001, 45.6% of high school students had ever had sexual intercourse;
Two thirds of all deaths among persons aged >25 years result from only two causes: cardiovascular disease and cancer. The majority of risk behaviors associated with these two causes of death are initiated during adolescence.
- 42.1% of sexually active students had not used a condom at last sexual intercourse;
- 2.3% had ever injected an illegal drug.
In 2001, 28.5% of high school students had smoked cigarettes during the 30 days preceding the survey; 78.6% had not eaten >5 servings per day of fruits and vegetables during the 7 days preceding the survey; 10.5% were overweight; and 67.8% did not attend physical education class daily.