Let Him Speak!

The very foundation of our democracy is freedom of speech and freedom of expression whether verbal or written. The first amendment to the constitution states: 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. 

In the recent Republican primary debate, Rudy Giuliani asked candidate Ron Paul to take back his stated views on why our leaders should look at how our foreign policies may fuel more hatred by some countries in the Middle East against America.  Mr. Giuliani asked Mr. Paul to apologize for his stated opinion. Although more subtle than telling Mr. Paul to shut up, Mr. Giuliani was in essence suppressing freedom of expression.  

I can respectfully agree or disagree with Mr. Giuliani, but his right to express his views must be protected. Ron Paul’s freedom of expression must also be protected. We must have civil discourse regarding the foreign and domestic policies of our Nation if our Democracy is to survive.

There is no debate more important than the debate over going to war. Before the war in Iraq started, too many voices were ignored and silenced by the fear of being seen as weak on defense.  

Whether we agree or disagree with Ron Paul’s opinions, we should all be shouting, “Let Him Speak!”.