Protesters Have Right to Speak

County Press ^ | 4-16-03 | William W. Lawrence

[Temple Owl]

Second Thoughts

By: William W. Lawrence

04/15/2003

We hear so much about young Americans -- teenagers and early 20s -- who give Americans a bad name. Then we watch our young GIs and our chest swells with pride.

They were freeing an oppressed people while naked women, transvestites, dogs, dancers and singers joined Harry Belafonte in an antiwar protest to "praise the patriotism of the demonstrators" and condemn the military action in Iraq.

"We denounce governments that act with tyranny," Mr. Belafonte told the crowd. He was talking about our government, not Saddam Hussein's. Listen, there were always war protesters.

I was a youngster just before World War II while Jews were being pushed into Nazi gas chambers. Even back then, American hero Charles Lindbergh,a leading member of the America First Committee, was able to fill Madison Square Garden with war protesters.

I do not like Harry Belafonte, Susan Sarandon, Barbra Streisand, Ed Asner, Michael Moore and the rest of the Hollywood anti-American crowd. But they have a right to open their foul mouths and spew anti-American venom. Our young GIs are serving to insure that right.

Ohio Rep. Dennis J. Kucinich, a Democratic presidential candidate and an outspoken critic of President Bush's Iraq policy, has revived his proposal to create a U.S. Department of Peace. I am sure Kucinich would appoint Belafonte, Asner, Moore, Ms. Streisand and Ms. Sarandon to high posts within his creation.

***

[weegee]

I was a youngster just before World War II while Jews were being pushed into Nazi gas chambers. Even back then, American hero Charles Lindbergh,a leading member of the America First Committee, was able to fill Madison Square Garden with war protesters.

I do not like Harry Belafonte, Susan Sarandon, Barbra Streisand, Ed Asner, Michael Moore and the rest of the Hollywood anti-American crowd. But they have a right to open their foul mouths and spew anti-American venom. Our young GIs are serving to insure that right.

I am unaware that Charles Lindbergh called the President of the United States a Nazi or totalitarian. I am unaware of Mr. Lindbergh holding up a banner saying that he supported our troops when they shot their own officers. I am unaware that Mr. Lindbergh shut down any streets for commerce, travel, or emergy vehicles. I am unaware that Mr. Lindbergh vandalized any banks or INS centers (or even coffee shops).

Yet, despite the civil nature of his protest of the war, he came down on the wrong side of the issue and his legacy still suffers for this today.

Now just why is it we are supposed to tolerate riots in our streets under the banner of "free speech"? And just why can't we boycott those who participated in the proSaddam rallies?

[weegee]

Also, did Charles Lindbergh continue to protest the war once we entered the battle or did he silence his opposition?

[weegee]

I would think that posing on an enemy anti-aircraft cannon would fit under "aid and comfort". Treason requires witnesses to the act. That photo would cover that, no?

[Zavien Doombringer]

I wasn't aware of Fonda's doings until my late teens and my Government Teacher told the class about her. I understood then what my dad felt. I too haven't watched any Fonda movies, Henry or Jane, not even Bridgett. Henry messed up by not giving her daughter a severe spanking, now the fonda generations have the spirit of disobedience. I mean look, Ted and her couldn't keep it going...I am 37 years old, married 18 years and with 4 kids...I am making the best out of it. She became a traitor in her own relationships.

[buffyt]

I never protested during the VN War either. I don't protest when we have troops in harm's way. And as it turns out, Bush was RIGHT and we had a BRILLIAN MILITARY STRATEGY!

GO W GO!

[Temple Owl]

Apparently the paper's computer crashed. I spoke to an editor there and he said to be patient and try again in a little while. Sorry.

[Temple Owl]

A person ata the paper apologized. He said theifr computer crashed and will be back up shortly. I'll try to keep an eye on it and report.

[Temple Owl]

Very well put.

[Mark17]

Protesters Have Right to Speak

And we have the right to ask them if they know where the sun don't shine.

[Temple Owl]

And just why can't we boycott those who participated in the proSaddam rallies?

We can and should. I will not go see any of their movies, listen to their songs or buy any products with they are associated. That goes for countries too. I want nothing to do with them. But let's not allow them to take away any of our freedoms. They have done too much of that already.

[Tribune7]

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