Our Apologies to Patrick Henry...

http://mobile.reuters.com/mobile/m/FullArticle/p.vzw/CTOP/ntopNews_uUSTRE51J43520090221


I guess the Founding Fathers shouldn't have been surprised. After all, their problems were nothing compared with "our current financial crisis".

Despotism, tyranny, autocracy...all mere inconveniences compared with this. So I'm sure they would forgive us.

I'm sure they would understand how our principles and most cherished beliefs really must take a back seat for a while.

China's human rights record is abysmal, yes. But my God, they're our best creditors. Who are we to judge? In these trying times?

I'm wondering how all the people with "Free Tibet" bumper stickers on their Volvos are taking this news. I'm sure they can see the bigger picture.

I guess the Buddhist monks and political dissidents will just have to cower in fear a bit longer. The Light of Liberty for the world is dimming. The price for our silence? Much less than some might have thought.

Just hang in there everybody. We'll care again about your plight pretty soon. Right now, though, we and our best pal China have to look out for numero uno.