Letters to the Editors

Our rights assured by others' sacrifices

Editors: Do you ever wonder why citizens can protest, speak out, shout, make posters, carry signs voicing their opinions? Every citizen can protest as long as they obey the laws of the land. Citizens have these rights: freedom of speech, of assembly, religion, to vote, to bear arms, to individual privacy and equal protection of the law. We can work, sleep, play or do something or nothing. We should thank God for these rights.

Do you honestly want to know why American citizens possess so many blessings, privileges and the right to protest? If so, visit a veterans cemetery or visit a veteran in a the hospital. Speak with some of the millions of patriotic citizens who supported and always support our military forces. These military men and women did not protest; they answered the call of Uncle Sam along with millions of dedicated citizens.

You may ask whether I have evidence to support the opinions I just expressed. I think so. I served in the U.S. Navy on two ships involved in some of the largest amphibious deadly assaults in history. I came home, but, sad to say, many never made it. They sacrificed their lives for you and me.

We have the right to protest, but we better use common sense and know why, or we will act the role of a fool. Thank God our military men and women did not protest, or you and I could be speaking German, Japanese or something other than English. So let's never forget our many blessings and what it cost for us to breathe fresh air in a free land.
-- Jack C. Kelly, Lutz

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