Independence Day seems like an appropriate time to reflect upon American-powered British empire - namely the current invasions of the former British colonies known as Afghanistan and Iraq, and the way our troops are forced to die like invading Redcoats in foreign lands.

How did we go from fighting against British empire to providing the brawn to it? Since the government-complicit attacks on Sept. 11, 2001, we Yanks have been in a fit of absence of mind about American liberty. American-powered British empire is not freedom, nor liberty.

Increasingly, Americans are organizing to voice opposition to the turncoats who sold us out to empire. Rep. Ron Paul of the Republicans, who said we are living under "soft fascism", and Rep. Dennis Kucinich of the Democrats are seeking their parties' nominations to run for president. The Lorain County commissioners, the city of Oberlin, and the Libertarian Party of Northeast Ohio all voted for impeachment proceedings for our war criminals. Veterans for Peace have organized two regional chapters in Ohio and a post in Oberlin. Americans again have hope for the future. We WILL regain our independence from the British and from doing their imperial work for them.

[the preceding letter was published in the Chronicle-Telegram on July 3, 2007 on page B4]