America, America...

[SiliconJon]

I would like to ask that all you American's remember something. It doesn't matter if you're pro or anti war. It seems many folks are forgetting basic civil liberties. Folks are becoming very self-centered, and are expecting all to bow to their whims.

One of such items on my mind is many of the war supporters. I hear folks saying that the protestors are anti-American, un-patriotic, and even terrorists. These folks seem to forget we have the freedom of speech. And the ability to question our leaders is one of the many things that makes us FREE. In Iraq, questioning your leader was out of the question. Let's not impose such a regime in our own country, where those who voice their doubts and questions about the manners in which our administration performs are considered non-American. It is this type of check/balance that can help keep a country clean and free.

Others say that during war, protests should not be held. I am completely confused by this logic. It seems logical to me that DURING the war is the best time for someone who feels such action to be inappropriate be able to voice their thoughts. Many of those who feel war, at least at this time or in this manner, is inappropriate do not appose our very citizens who are risking their lives on the battle ground. Soldiers are the people who are here to defend our country. And it is their job to do as they are ordered, which starts with our President, and works it's way down. That is why the protests should clearly point to the administration, not our soldiers.

I'm not writing to protest the war. I am speaking to remind ALL Americans what our country is here for: FREEDOM. I heard a caller on NPR at the beginning of the war state that all protestors should be "shot on site". Please do not spread such insanity, as simply protesting our administrations methods does not make one a terrorist, and by no means deserves and end to their life. This again reminds me of the very evil we are fighting, as that is exactly what happens to those in Iraq who would protest his methods.

Am I for or against the war? Does it really matter? I'm still American, and will always wish for this country to be free: free to think, free to speak, and free to be free of oppression of all sorts. I believe the Iraqi people were being oppressed, and murdered by their own regime. But I'm still studying the matter before I go voicing an uneducated opinion on how I feel it should be handled. Fact is, I may never find enough information on the matter as truth can be very hard to come by. And by the time I'm done, the outcome may very well have come about already. Too many people making too many uneducated statements makes for a volitile conversation, not a debate. But there are ways I can make the best difference possible in ensuring our country grows strong and free: Keep an educated mind, and VOTE.

[Mike]

Good post.. Always nice to talk to someone with a clear mind.

I hear folks saying that the protestors are anti- American, un-patriotic, and even terrorists

hmm too late. I don't have a list of insults that I have been called while browsing TIMO, but I have been called each one of those.

[osprey4]

I've heard more war protestors complaining they're being called anti-American, than I have people calling war protestors anti-American.

However, there is no doubt some war protestors are making anti-American statements.

Signs that say, "We support the troops that shoot their officers". Yes, it's free speech, but it's also anti-American.

The professor at Columbia that wishes a million Mogadishu's on American troops. You don't think that's anti-American?

[J-Excel]

The protestors can protest the war because of free speech. But the supporters can't protest the protestors? What happened to their free speech?

[alivin]

I think everybody should peacefully protest every time they feel strongly about anything . I would like to protest the slowness of my dialup

56K is not OK
56K is not OK
56k is not Ok

[osprey4]

Originally posted by J-Excel
The protestors can protest the war because of free speech. But the supporters can't protest the protestors? What happened to their free speech?

It's only really free if you're going against the government, otherwise you're just allowing yourself to be snookered.

[OuTpaTienT]

... But I'm still studying the matter before I go voicing an uneducated opinion on how I feel it should be handled. Fact is, I may never find enough information on the matter as truth can be very hard to come by. And by the time I'm done, the outcome may very well have come about already.

And all the while you are busy "studying" the issue, people are dying, being murdered, being tortured.

No you don't need to be shot. But you do need to wake the **** up.

Get off your idealogical high hourse, come check out reality.

[shotokan]

I dont have a problem with the protesting this is a country where free speech is allowed. What I have a problem with is blind, self centered, idealists. Take a good look at the news of the people cheering the coalition forces on. Take a good look at the footage of people jumping up and down on the statue of Sadam and dragging the head through the street as a child chases it beating it with his shoe. Yes yes I know we are so wrong, facist, war mongers we are. I don't think that I am the one whose mind needs educated.

[lost-and-found]

I'm gonna start a protest against protests

[shotokan]

oh yeah? well I am gonna protest against you protesting against protests and not only that I am gong to lobby that congress protests againsts the protesting of protests and make a group called People Against Protesting Protests or PAPP for short.