WHO WILL HELP, WHEN "THEY" COME FOR YOU?

Thus it is written, set in stone, and cannot be retracted:

"They" are coming to take you away. He he, ho ho.

In Phoenix, Arizona... and soon, everywhere…

Reminiscent of every fascist state on historic record and in literary invention, Phoenix authorities raided the private residence of a blogger. Not a drug lord. Not a mass murderer. Not a bank robber. A blogger. Why? For criticism of "their" department's actions? Simple revenge? Perhaps, but whatever the true motive, it was all "by the book", because a judge had issued a warrant.

The blogger, Jeff Pataky, a software engineer, started a blog called "Bad Phoenix Cops" based upon police involvement during his divorce. Pataky believed he was treated unfairly in the matter and reported it on his blog. Rightly so, apparently, when certain charges were dropped because of a lack of evidence.

Pataky planned to shut down the blog after those certain charges were dropped, but began receiving support and tips from many retired and active officers concerning other odd happenings. Pataky moved on some of these tips and is now feeling the wrath of the Phoenix Police Department. "They" obtained a warrant to raid Pataky's home and confiscate computers, routers, hard drives, etc., effectively stopping the vile blogger in his tracks.

Now, I do not know Pataky. I do not know if he is an honest man. However, the facts of the case are evident. Moreover, I know that Pataky is a citizen of the United States of America and no citizen should be the victim of law enforcement intimidation or terror. Sure, this is how law enforcement operates in despotic governments, but not in a free republic; and I suppose that is the issue at hand. Or is it?

Are we convinced the primary issue is the reality of authoritarian ruthlessness and abuses of power that threaten freedom? That is a very serious matter. Abuse of power is criminal. Perhaps, though, our first focus should target our own response to corruptions of law and abuses of power, rather than the abusers themselves. You see, despots are ever among us, even in the United States, acting with the intolerance and brutality that swells the pride of third-world dictators. So should we say, "Oh, this is a kinder, gentler tyrant" or "These fascists aren't as awful as those other fascists"? Or, maybe say, "Well they may be attacking our freedom of speech, but at least we don't live in a third-world nightmare. At least we still have some freedoms." May we never be so languid in our responses to abuse! Most definitely, we should confront those who abuse power, but let us first confront ourselves, for we the people have given "them" the confidence to perpetrate such contempt against us. The primary issue revolves around our carelessness, our sitting back and watching, while the yoke is lowered onto our necks, in a voluntary relinquishment of freedom.

Never forget the bewildering case of Catherine Genovese. "Kitty," as she was called, was murdered in New York City before a myriad of witnesses, all of whom opted to allow her to suffer and die, rather than take action on her behalf. The year was 1964, but it appears full-blown cases of cynicism, apathy, and desensitization prevailed then, as they do now. I am not saying Pataky is Genovese. I am not saying Pataky did not challenge the Phoenix police with his blog, or that he is innocent of annoying and pestering. I am saying that he has the right in a free society to publish the content of his choosing without fascist retaliation. I also believe that it is our obligation as free citizens of the United States of America to come to his aid in criticizing the overly aggressive tactics of law enforcement and their unreasonable censure. And not in his case only.

It is no longer safe, reasonable, nor intelligent to believe that the actions of law enforcement are always within the boundaries of justice or in the best interest of the citizenry. There are noble police officers, judges, and maybe even politicans, who will stand with us on this matter against abuses of power; without doubt, there are officers and others who would sacrifice their very lives for liberty and justice, and many do each day. However, it is our personal responsibility to remain vigilant and face the dangerous possibilities of our "changing" world and let no abuse of power go unrequited.

Tell your family, friends, and neighbors. Shout it from the rooftops. Email and blog the planet full, until every living person awakens to the reality that if this could happen to one of us, it could happen to us all. The police had a warrant. This was not some misguided, uneducated thug acting on a drug-induced whim with no regard for personal and property rights. This was the law. The law was used to violate this man and his lawful rights.

You may say this is a small thing and I am exaggerating. I beg you to look at the bigger picture and to consider again the implications.

Do you value the freedom of speech?

Do you value your rights as a free citizen?

Will you overlook or totally ignore evident abuse?

Finally, bear in mind, who will help when "they" come for you?