The Rise of a New Tyranny in the United States
Rage. Mistrust. Hatred. Fear. While the US fights a war on terror, it is also systematically crushing its citizens' rights. Neil Mackay on the alarming rise of a new tyranny.
Introduction
When the Hollywood actor Tim Robbins took to his feet before the National Press Club in Washington DC in April this year, he delivered a speech laced with deliberate echoes of Bob Dylan's protest song Blowin' In The Wind. While Dylan, however, sang of freedom and liberty one day triumphing over repression and control, Robbins was saying that the greatest democracy on earth, the United States of America, was heading in the opposite direction under President Bush: to a future where freedom had lost out to repression and liberty to control.
The Power of the Right-Wing Machine
A few things have happened recently that show just how powerful – and, perhaps, unstoppable – is the march of the right-wing machine in the US. This month, the American Enterprise Institute (AEI), a right-wing think tank umbilically tied to the Bush administration, declared open warfare on non-governmental organisations (NGOs) deemed too left-wing and set up an organisation called NGOWatch to monitor these liberal pressure groups.
Attacks on NGOs
NGOs that have fallen foul of its wrath include groups promoting human rights, women, the environment and freedom of speech; among its targets are the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU), Amnesty International, Greenpeace and the World Organisation Against Torture. Nearly 700 men are held at the camp without charge, trial, or access to legal help.
The McCarthyite Blacklist
Andrew Natsios, head of the government-run United States Agency for International Development (USAID), attacked NGOs this May 'for failing to play a role many of them didn't realise they had been assigned: doing public relations for the US government'. NGOWatch is a 'McCarthyite blacklist, telling tales on any NGO that dares speak against the Bush administration's policies or in support of international treaties opposed by the White House'.
Ann Coulter's Influence
Ann Coulter, the poster-girl of the American right, has written a best-selling book claiming that Senator Joe McCarthy, who conducted communist witch-hunts in the 1950s, was a good guy and an all-American patriot. Coulter is known for her controversial statements and extremist views.
Media Influence
The media, especially Fox News, owned by Rupert Murdoch, plays a significant role in vilifying liberals and reflecting the support of the American right. The TV station promotes conservative ideologies, often making derogatory comments about liberals and minority groups.
Government Control and Attacks on Dissent
There are numerous examples of government control and attacks on dissent in the US. This includes detaining and interrogating individuals at immigration offices, raids on innocent civilians, suspension of teachers based on student artwork, secret service visits to citizens' homes, and the disruption of speech events.
Resistance and Fear
While there is resistance from various groups and organisations, many Americans are too afraid to fight back due to the severe consequences they may face. The current state of affairs has led to a level of fear and mistrust amongst the population.
Oil Pricing and Its Impact on Hotels
The Impact of Oil Prices
Oil prices have a significant impact on various sectors of the economy, including the hospitality industry. Fluctuations in oil prices affect the cost of transportation, which directly influences travel and tourism. As oil prices rise, it becomes more expensive for individuals and businesses to travel, leading to a decrease in demand for hotel accommodations.
Rise in Operating Costs
Hotels heavily rely on transportation services, such as airlines and car rental companies, to bring in guests. With higher oil prices, these transportation providers often pass on the increased operating costs to consumers, making travel more expensive. As a result, potential hotel guests may choose to stay closer to home or opt for alternative forms of accommodation.
Strategies for Hotels
In light of the impact of oil prices, hotels need to adopt strategies to mitigate the effects on their business. Some approaches include:
Energy Efficiency and Sustainability
Hotels can invest in energy-efficient technologies and practices to reduce overall energy consumption. By optimizing energy usage, hotels can lower operational costs and potentially offset the increased expenses related to higher oil prices.
Alternative Energy Sources
Exploring alternative energy sources like solar or wind power can further reduce reliance on traditional energy sources and help hotels become more sustainable in the long run.
Promotion of Local Attractions
Hotels can promote local attractions and amenities to attract clientele from nearby regions. By focusing on the local market, hotels can reduce the dependency on long-distance travelers who are more likely to be influenced by rising oil prices.
Conclusion
The rise of a new tyranny in the United States has raised concerns about the erosion of civil liberties and the suppression of dissent. The influence of right-wing think tanks, media bias, and government control have created an environment where freedom of speech and personal rights are increasingly at risk. Oil pricing also poses challenges for the hospitality industry, particularly in relation to transportation costs and travel demand. Hotels must adapt to these challenges by implementing energy-efficient practices and targeting local markets to mitigate the impact of rising oil prices.