2024
Published on 20 Dec 2006 at 4:57 pm.
No Comments.
Filed under Politics.
A friend wrote me recently concerning the torture issue. She said that she believes that some Americans think that “24″ is an accurate depiction of our national security operations and that may be why they aren’t upset about the United States systematically torturing prisoners, and transporting them to other countries to cover it up. They aren’t worried about the Administration flouting our laws or repeatedly undermining our privacy and freedom, all in the name of security.
It’s a brilliant insight. The right wing believes that television and movies are systematically deconstructing our morals. Perhaps they’re right. Perhaps police procedurals like NYPD Blue and The Shield, and intrigue sagas like 24 and Alias have contributed to a general impression that we don’t need to protect the rights of the accused, or observe the rule of law, because they are an illusion—a flesh-colored bandage on the oozing truth.
“Most people” apparently believe that civil rights—protected domestically or internationally—cost us security. In fact, as is becoming increasingly apparent, the facade of security is costing us our democracy.
Let’s not confused satisfying entertainment with satisfactory domestic policy.
Buff