That seems to be the position of the current Republican administration and it's supporters. But be that as it may, you have to admit that we don't know what the newspaper published. Criticizm is one thing. Advocating active support of the rebellion would be another.
What are you, a frustrated Democrat or Democrat government official? Bush has stayed the course on the war and for that I applaud him and for that I voted for him. Feel free to criticize him on the war or whatever if you feel like it. I've certainly criticized his actions on various things. Bush is not Lincoln -- nowadays free speech is allowed.
In your post 86, you said, "Mere criticizm of the government should not be grounds for arrest". On that we agree (an historic moment).
But be that as it may, you have to admit that we don't know what the newspaper published. Criticizm is one thing. Advocating active support of the rebellion would be another.
The charges against the editor did not say active support for the war against the North, just secession arguments and criticism of the acts of government officials. A large minority of the country probably agreed with him about secession -- should they have all been arrested and thrown in prison? Have you ever criticized the acts of government officials? I take it that you don't feel you should be in jail because of that criticism.