Freedom

Freedom can be measured in numerous ways. The first way, which I prefer, is to start with the First Amendment to the US Constitution:

Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances.

Take freedom of the press. What country has a less free press than North Korea? Entria now ranks last at #169. Burma is stuck at 164, but still ranks higher than Cuba and Iran. Iceland and Norway are tied for first.

The US is just under Nicaragua at #48.

Still The Same

Still a shame. From today's press conference:

"QUESTION: Thank you, sir. A simple question.
"BUSH: Yes?
"QUESTION: What's your definition of --
"BUSH: It may require a simple answer.
"(LAUGHTER)
"QUESTION: What's your definition of the word torture?
"BUSH: Of what?
"QUESTION: The word torture, what's your definition?
"BUSH: That's defined in U.S. law, and we don't torture.
"QUESTION: Can you give me your version of it, sir?
"BUSH: No. Whatever the law says."

Naturally, "whatever the law says" is a secret.