Freedom of Speech, American Style

by Larry Stimeling, Staff Writer

I received an invitation to join a group on facebook yesterday. One that really disturbed me. It was to join a group called "Petition to remove "Soldiers are not heroes" from facebook". This invitation disturbed me because of its agenda.

While I fully support our troops and their mission I have a big problem with any group that wants another group banned from speaking its mind on facebook or in any other medium.

Now mind you, the origin of "soldiers are not heroes" is in Great Britain not the U.S. My personal opinion of those who belong to this group is that they are lowlife who have no idea of the personal sacrifices made by those who serve in the military. That said, in this country those who have an opposing view to mine have the right to say what they feel. That is free speech, one of the foundations of our Constitution in the First Amendment.

As a veteran, son of a veteran and father of a veteran, I am proud to say my family has, for the past 3 generations, fought for freedom including the freedom of speech as exercised by those who belong to this facebook group. Both of my grandfathers, left Germany immediately after WWI to enjoy the freedoms of America. My ancestors knew the oppression of free speech. I do not want anyone’s right to free speech denied. Once one individual or group is denied the right to speak freely, the rights of the rest of us will soon be denied!

No. We cannot ask for this group to be banned from facebook. What we can do is assure that their minority point of view is overshadowed by the deserved thanks of a grateful nation to all who serve in our Armed Services. Yes they are Heroes just by putting on the uniform.

Signing a blank check payable to the United States for any amount up to and including their lives makes them heroes in my humble opinion.

For those of you who read this and are currently serving and those of you who have served: