Right Voices

John Mellencamp has lashed out at President George W. Bush and America’s foreign policy. In an open letter he co-wrote with his wife Elaine, Mellencamp blasts the powers that be for demonizing as “anti-American and unpatriotic” anyone who questions the policies of the U.S. government and the war in Iraq. Mellencamp uses words and phrases like “systematically lied to,” “the political ‘hijacking’ of Iraq,” “this misadventure,” and “the globe’s leading bully. Arrogant and thoughtless” to describe the current situation, before writing, “Now, each day, as the dust settles and the truth slowly surfaces, more and more people come to the inevitable conclusion of what a debacle this whole war was.”

Mellencamp adds, “The word ‘Democracy’ means literally ‘by the people.’ This is the basis of our government and society. It is what this country was founded upon and what makes us American. It is not just our ‘right’ but also our duty to speak out and voice our thoughts and opinions. How, then, was it possible that, in the land of freedom, those who opposed the common opinion were called…’un-American?’ Resentfully, we wonder…This nation was founded to enable freedom and diversity of opinion, and many lives have been lost to secure that liberty. Paradoxically, some still resist the open mindedness that is the very foundation of this country.”

Are we seriously back to discussing the First Amendment and people’s rights to exercise freedom of speech.

Yes – We all have a right to exercise the First Amendment – - but freedom of speech does not mean consequence free. I also think it important to remember that freedom of speech is a two way street.

Being an American it is also my right to not support those or defend those who speak out against our nation’s leader and the current administration – - which I strongly support.

Why do so many miss this point?

Also just in case it escaped anyone – - John is clearly exercising his First Amendment rights in this open letter.

The letter, of course, contains much more than this small snippet and covers points from foreign policy to the war to President Bush’s character and even patriotism.