Card Carrying Member of the ACLU

For many, it is one of the ultimate put-downs. To call a person a “card carrying member of the ACLU.” For me, and for many others, it is a badge of honor. The ACLU, or American Civil Liberties Union, is an organization despised by many. And why? Because it stands against those who would take our liberty, or force their views on us. It stands for exactly what it says, American Civil Liberty. Without the ACLU and others willing to fight for what America stands for, we could well be forced to live in a far different America. An America where the rights of a privileged few outweigh the rights of the masses. Or an America where Theocracy dominates.

The America that the ACLU stands for is in more danger than ever. The Bush Administration runs roughshod over the rights of individuals in the so-called “War on Terror.” They feel that instead of approaching the very real threat of terrorism in a smart and effective way, it is easier to force their agenda. The Administration also stands for the rights of the multi-national corporation and not the average worker. Those who would take away reproductive rights are emboldened to push their agenda. Far right groups are moving for censorship at many levels. They are also pushing to bring faith-based programs into the sphere of public education. They want to replace science with dogma. Intelligent Design, a feign for Creationism, is being pushed. The rights of the average American are more threatened than at any time before.

So yes, I am a card-carrying member of the ACLU. And very proud to be one!