"The Powers That Be!"

Do you remember the name "Pravda"; it was one of the communist newspapers in the old Soviet Union. Pravda spouted the party line in all issues; alternate opinions in the Soviet Union weren't too well received. Soviet Gulags were filled with men and women who openly spoke or wrote anything that was critical of the government. All government policies were sacrosanct and beyond the reach of criticism from anyone. If you dared to speak against the government, off to prison you'd go!

In Germany, after Adolph Hitler took power; the Gestapo made sure criticism of the Third Reich was made impossible through murder and imprisonment. Doors were kicked in and people were hauled off never to be seen again. The Fuhrer didn't appreciate dissenting speech from anyone! We all know what happened to those who questioned the "Little Corporal", and his ideas about National Socialism! Criticism of NAZI policies was discouraged!

I love our first amendment rights! Free speech is a great thing and we are most blessed to have it in America; yet we should never take it for granted. I say things in my blogs that are not very complimentary about our current President; it is my right to do so. I'm sure there are people who don't like what I write; that is their right. I don't like much of what Barack Obama has done since he took the office of President, and I'm quite verbose about it; I feel safe in my criticism under my first amendment guarantee. No American government should ever stifle free speech or criticism of any administration!

I have owned many Ford products in my life. I still fondly remember my 1991 F-150 pick-up truck, as one of the most reliable vehicles I've ever owned. Ford didn't take any government bail-out money from the Obama Stimulus, and I laud them for this. Smart business has made Ford a profitable and successful company. Recently, Ford has been running commercials with ordinary customers about the vehicles they have purchased, and they have been very effective. One commercial in which a customer stated he bought his Ford because Ford didn't take government bail-out money; this certain commercial is being pulled out because of alleged pressure from the Obama White House. Evidently, a veiled threat was made, saying the Ford commercial was too critical of Obama's bail-out of the auto industry. A call from the White House can be an intimidating thing; it brings about thoughts of "audits" and "investigations" that could be initiated from "BIG BROTHER"! I understand Ford pulling their ad because of the fear of a spurious investigation and inquisition.

What we must ask ourselves is this; what is coming next? If a successful corporation can be bullied by any administration, what will that administration stifle next? Who that criticizes this administration now is safe? Will we face "audits" from the IRS? When will our doors be "kicked in" because we have the audacity to criticize the powers that be?

(This is my last blog this week, I have numerous appointments so I will talk to all of you on Monday; if the "secret police" don't come and get me!)