| Published: Waubonsee Insight |
| Date: September 2006 |
| Section: Opinion/Editorial |
| Comments: |
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By: Ian Essling
People sometimes forget who has made it possible for us to have the awesome freedoms we have in this country.
Just a hint: the politician you voted for? He didn't do it. The activist waving a sign or putting tape over their mouth and a bag over their head? They didn't do it either.
It's the soldiers, plain and simple. The soldiers that fight for our country, the brave men and women who spend each day protecting our freedoms, they are ones who are to thank for the rights we enjoy.
I have the utmost respect for every person who serves in our armed forces. In fact, I have so much respect for them, that I thank every military man or women I meet for their service. I shake their hand, look them in the eye, and say, "Thank you. Thank you for protecting my right to say or write whatever I want. Thank you for protecting my right to worship whatever religion I wish to worship. Thank you for protecting our way of life."
Unfortunately, too many people have lost sight of this basic fact. I see protesters cursing our military, and I shake my head in disbelief. Don't these people realize that the very people they condemn are the ones that made it possible for them to condemn?
I get so frustrated when people take out their anger at politicians on the military. I am a staunch Conservative, and will be until I die, so my support of the Bush Administration and the military is extremely strong and solid.
However, I often see Liberals who attack the soldiers themselves because they dislike the President. I ask how much sense does that make? Regardless of your political affiliation, you should be thanking and respecting the soldiers.
You see, Freedom of Speech is only a right in our country because brave men and women sacrificed their lives to preserve it. And for that, they deserve our lasting and steadfast respect. |
