Don’t Surrender Our Freedoms

To the Editor:

I was interested to see three letters in last week’s Letter Hive calling for the end of two precious American freedoms: the right of free speech and assembly and the right of a free press.

The letter writers were unhappy that a peace vigil was held on the steps of Edmond Town Hall on August 17 and The Bee’s report of the protest. One said about the vigil, “The time for protests was before military action took place. Now that we are in the thick of it, giving our soldiers and their commanders our support is important if we are to get this over as quickly possible.” Another said, “As an active duty service member, I was truly saddened to see The Bee run the article mentioned above.”

Yet, what are we fighting for if not for the rights enshrined in the Constitution? The vigil and story about it did not reveal military secrets — troop movements, for example, or attack plans — so what’s the problem?

Is the problem that for many people the right of free speech and a free press (and of religion and an independent judiciary and more) exists only as long as the speaker agrees with them? Are protesting the war and publicizing the protest tantamount to treason? Does it give aid and comfort to our enemies, weaken our resolve, and contribute to losing the war?

I believe our freedoms of speech and press (and others) have made America strong and a model for what a democratic society can be. Our right to speak out and protest and our competitive news media give hope and courage to downtrodden peoples around the world. Surely we do not want to give away these rights?

Because if, afraid of the unknown and unsure of the future, we give up these democratic rights and freedoms, the terrorists will have won.

Sincerely,

Wally Wood

62 Great Ring Road, Sandy Hook                              August 28, 2005