Not to be argumentative, but “Citizen Protections” sounds a little Big Brother-ish. Consumer protection sound better.
johntmaysays
I am more than a “consumer”….A consumer is a cog in a wheel of production, a piece of the machine. A “consumer” has to purchase everything. A citizen is part of the republic with rights that are theirs, not “for sale”. We’ve got to stop being shy about being citizens.
SomervilleTomsays
It seems to me that “citizen” is itself too restrictive.
Our basic rights, as Americans, are NOT limited to American citizens. Specifically, for example, the Supreme Court has (correctly) ruled that “states cannot constitutionally deny students a free public education on account of their immigration status.” The constitution does NOT use the word “citizen” in the bill of rights. It uses “the people” instead.
A PERSON is part of the republic with rights are theirs, not “for sale”.
We’ve got to make sure that we Democrats do not join the assault on immigrants.
johntmaysays
Okay, I’ll go with “the people” perhaps, but I still push back at being called a “consumer” and not a citizen.
JimCsays
However you define it, it’s “protection” that I’m reacting to. Cops protect, but when you get to the federal level, protection doesn’t feel right, unless it’s protecting rights.
SomervilleTomsays
In fairness, I think johntmay is talking about rights (emphasis mine):
A citizen is part of the republic with rights that are theirs, not “for sale”.
SomervilleTomsays
Perhaps “protections” or “government protections” does the trick.
Christophersays
Whenever someone starts complaining about regulations I want to ask, OK, let’s have specifics – what health or safety protections do you believe we can sacrifice?
johntmaysays
Excellent point. That is the approach we must take with Republicans. Put them up against the wall and demand specifics.
Not to be argumentative, but “Citizen Protections” sounds a little Big Brother-ish. Consumer protection sound better.
I am more than a “consumer”….A consumer is a cog in a wheel of production, a piece of the machine. A “consumer” has to purchase everything. A citizen is part of the republic with rights that are theirs, not “for sale”. We’ve got to stop being shy about being citizens.
It seems to me that “citizen” is itself too restrictive.
Our basic rights, as Americans, are NOT limited to American citizens. Specifically, for example, the Supreme Court has (correctly) ruled that “states cannot constitutionally deny students a free public education on account of their immigration status.” The constitution does NOT use the word “citizen” in the bill of rights. It uses “the people” instead.
A PERSON is part of the republic with rights are theirs, not “for sale”.
We’ve got to make sure that we Democrats do not join the assault on immigrants.
Okay, I’ll go with “the people” perhaps, but I still push back at being called a “consumer” and not a citizen.
However you define it, it’s “protection” that I’m reacting to. Cops protect, but when you get to the federal level, protection doesn’t feel right, unless it’s protecting rights.
In fairness, I think johntmay is talking about rights (emphasis mine):
Perhaps “protections” or “government protections” does the trick.
Whenever someone starts complaining about regulations I want to ask, OK, let’s have specifics – what health or safety protections do you believe we can sacrifice?
Excellent point. That is the approach we must take with Republicans. Put them up against the wall and demand specifics.