How Far Have We Come Since Sept. 11???

In a chilling analysis of the PATRIOT Act, the ACLU points out that the new definition of "domestic terrorist" redefines any US criminal as a terrorist, exempt from due process and an open trial. "Domestic terrorists" can have their assets seized without a hearing, have their educational records pulled, and a host of other nasties. "Terrorism" is now officially meaningless: as far as the PATRIOT Act is concerned, if you do anything the government doesn't like, you're a terrorist. When you put it that way, it seems even less likely that we'll win the "war on terrorism."

Section 802 does not create a new crime of domestic terrorism. However, it does expand the type of conduct that the government can investigate when it is investigating "terrorism." The USA PATRIOT Act expanded governmental powers to investigate terrorism, and some of these powers are applicable to domestic terrorism.

The definition of domestic terrorism is broad enough to encompass the activities of several prominent activist campaigns and organizations. Greenpeace, Operation Rescue, Vieques Island and WTO protesters and the Environmental Liberation Front have all recently engaged in activities that could subject them to being investigated as engaging in domestic terrorism.

What a sad state of affairs... the terrorists really are winning the battle. America and England are so frightened right now, how long will it take for someone in power to abuse all these new laws... reminds me of a recent movie, will we all have to stand and fight?

"V" Mask for Sale

I'm really tempted to get this one... a little pricey, but hey, no where near as expensive as some of the collectibles I've bought. Plus, it's a hand-painted cold-cast porcelain replica limited to 500 pieces. Would look nice under a framed "V for Vendetta" poster..... hmmm...

V for Vendetta

What can I say... an extremely intense intriguing movie with some extremely powerful moments. Let's all hope that goverments in the future aren't like this. It's a movie of our times, warning us of the perils that could lie ahead. More than that, it feels extremely real. You would never have thought that the Wachowski Brothers were involved in this.... gone are the crappy cgi and action... next to no bullet time and blood actually flows, you feel the pain inflicted. This is up there with Se7en, Kong, Fight Club and LOTR... the only few movies that for me have made a real impact that you can still feel for an hour after leaving the theater. Hugo Weaving is incredible as "V", never once do you feel he is wearing a mask and that his lips aren't moving. Amazing too is Natalie Portman, she proves she can act... pity George Lucas couldn't show us that.

Definately a movie to see more than once on the big screen.... go and fuckin' see it!