Save Your Generation

If you could save yourself, you could save us all...

This past Friday marked the one-year anniversary of Barack Obama’s promise to close the Guantanamo Bay Detention Center. Doubtlessly a noble endeavor, Obama’s vow seemingly marked an end to the era of illegal detention and torture that had come to embody the Bush presidency. Civil libertarians rejoiced upon hearing of Obama’s plan and celebrated the dawning of a new chapter in government policy, a chapter that would most certainly be characterized by the prevalence of the rule of law and an incessant dedication to human rights.

In drawing up his plan, Obama had forgotten to take into account one key factor. He had seemingly overlooked his own lack of commitment to individual liberties and the promises he had made. Instead of honoring his word, Obama began to move in the opposite direction, censoring photographs depicting torture, maintaining secret prisons around the world and continuing illegal programs of domestic surveillance. Throughout, Obama continued to give speeches asserting his dedication to re-establish the ideals of freedom and liberty upon which this country was supposedly created. More time passed and little progress was made, yet liberals continued to champion Obama, recklessly forfeiting their own principles to support a man whom they sincerely hoped would change the violent and unlawful practices that had come to represent American Democracy.

However, Obama shattered these remnants of hope on Friday as he celebrated the one-year anniversary of his plan by not only failing to fulfill his vow, but by thrusting the knife a little deeper into the backs of onlookers in America and around the world. Friday, Obama announced the fate of the 196 prisoners remaining at the Guantanamo Bay prison, asserting that “nearly 50” of the detainees “should be held indefinitely without trial under the laws of war.” Officials claim that too little evidence exists to prosecute these detainees, but that they have been deemed too dangerous to be released. The implications of this argument are sadly humorous. These individuals will continue to be held without trial due to the fact that it cannot be proven that they ever did anything wrong. Such reasoning defies all logic and violates any rational approach to administering justice.

A more ironic and sadistic pronouncement to commemorate the anniversary of Obama’s promise to the American people could hardly be imagined. This decision further emphasizes Obama’s flagrant disregard for democratic principles and his dedication to preserving Bush-era policies. Now more than ever we need to stand up as Americans (whatever that means), as human beings and let the powers that be know that such ghastly transgressions will no longer be tolerated.

...your leap of faith could be a well-timed smile.

Can't Slow Down

I've been back to real life for less than a week and I am already starting to feel that itch for adventure and excitement.

Miles To Go

In case you're wondering where I've been for the past week and a half...






I finally finished them this morning. Find me on tour and pick one up!