Politics: America needs diverse political views

I am not sure to whom to direct my dismay; an educational system for not properly teaching history and the verities of our federal Constitution; parents for not fostering a proper learning environment so that when their children become adults, there is an acceptance of diverse views which forms the richness of American society; the media and entertainment industries in their abandonment of the opportunity to use the airwaves and films to illustrate portrayals of persons and events in which constitutional guarantees were violated, the remedies taken, and rights restored under the aegis of the Bill of Rights; or the irrational position of some who, if any of the above were extant, somehow did not absorb any of it.

I am referring to the letter of July 30 from Louis C. Logan in his response to Ann Adams’ letter of July 16. The contents of Mr. Logan’s letter are not worth the dignity of a response, however the manner and seemingly arrogance do merit some notice.

The essence of Mr. Logan’s rant is that if Ann Adams doesn’t like this country, she should find another. The “Love It or Leave It” mentality is usually used when the antagonist has exhausted all intellectual resources.

At no point did Ann Adams say she didn’t like this country. Her remarks, as well as anyone who might find fault with the direction the current administration is taking, is more reflective of a greater concern and affection for her country than those who remain silent.

The First Amendment guarantees, not only the right, but the obligation to speak when a perceived wrong is committed by government. If Mr. Logan would prefer a country where to speak against it is the next step to exile, he might consider Saudi Arabia, Syria, China, or North Korea. Although, in the latter, there would be small chance to depart.

My own credentials for supporting opposition to administration policies were forged in the maelstrom of fighting Nazism and Fascism so that both Ann Adams and Mr. Logan can exercise their free speech rights.

For Mr. Logan to try to mitigate Ms. Adams’ right to express her grievances with the mindless suggestion that she migrate, shows his utter lack of belief in our system.

Basil Debnekoff

Coupeville

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