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Notas por La Casa Politica
OK, It Is Time to Give Thanks
By Steven J. Ybarra, JD
December 24, 2007

I have a friend who is dying of cancer. He is going paws up in anywhere from six months to forever. Being Buddhist, I know that this passing gets him to the next reincarnation. He is a good guy and has been an exceptional friend. Over the years, we have discussed every political issue known to man and he has given me insight to write editorials like this one. The best gift he has ever given to me was the line written by Pilipino author Carlos Bulosan who said, “America is in the heart”.

Over the years, I have been privileged to be asked to address many groups of new citizens on the day of their pledge of allegiance to this country. It is an honor that I have always regarded with great respect. I wish that every political office holder, from United States President to dog catcher, could experience that once in his or her life.

Unfortunately we have seen anger grow in the days since 9-11. I believe that there has been no success in putting the attack behind us. We have been at war longer than the Second World War or even the American Civil War. We are rapidly catching up to the war time spent in Vietnam and more than likely will be in Iraq longer. Several editorials ago I warned that Syria was next and so it seems that Bush the lesser now wants to kill Syrians in order to keep his status as a war time president.

Here is the question of the day - do you think American voters would have kept FDR in office if he had performed the same way that Bush does? I know that FDR violated human rights and civil rights and kept secrets from the American people just like Bush, but are you proud of Gitmo?

I was recently in Crescent City California - home of one of the most secure prisons in the system - Pelican Bay. Prisoners there are in lock up 23 hours a day. They are the most violent evil people in the world, or so some jury and judge decided. Having prosecuted cases and defended the accused, I know that the American judicial system is far from perfect. However, the folks in Pelican Bay are convicted of their crimes and to date not one person held at Gitmo has been convicted of anything and they have been in prison for six years.

Does it make you proud that we keep men locked up in solitary confinement for 23 hours a day without ever having charged them?

Does it make you feel proud that we pour water down the throats of prisoners like the Nazis did to get them to confess?

Does it make you feel proud that there is more opium coming from an American placed government in Afghanistan to the streets of America in the history of drug trafficking?

Does it make you feel proud, that women in Afghanistan are still treated the same way they were treated prior to the so-called “fall of the Taliban”?
When you look in your heart, do you see an American of whom you are proud?

Can you say to your grandchildren, I am proud because this is what we did in the great Bush War?

I, like my friend, believe that America is in the heart, it does not live on a flag or on a lapel or in a veterans’ cemetery. It lives in the hearts of all of us who contribute to making this a better place to live and die. So give thanks that in one year and 26 days, we will be through with the Bush Shame on America.

So it is time to give thanks for all you have and have had. Be safe and give joy to all you know. Give hugs. Do not pass up a chance to kiss someone, tell a joke, laugh, and call someone who you have not talked to because you did something stupid and ask for forgiveness.
I am looking for a President who, can say on behalf of the American people, I am sorry to the world for all the stupid stuff we did and I hope you can forgive us. I am looking for an America in our hearts we can be proud of again.

So to my friend who is getting ready to travel to the other side and all the others who will make that journey, I wish you a peaceful and painless passing. It has been an honor to call you friend and brother who let me see America in my heart.
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©Steven J. Ybarra JD is a retired civil rights attorney who operates a consultant company in California. He is a member of the Democratic National Committee and a long time political activist. Contact Steven at: sjybarra@aol.com. This article is copyright by Steven J. Ybarra JD, originally published in www.Hispanicvista.com but permission is granted for reprint in print, email, blog, or web media if this entire credit paragraph is attached.