People demand freedom of speech as a compensation for the freedom of thought which they seldom use. Soren Kierkegaard

Several years ago after I called the President an idiot and a liar, I received many stern reprimands from my fellow Americans. They strongly requested that I refrain from calling our President such things. “He is our president and you should respect him and his position.” Apparently, I had crossed the line. Discussion was over. Dialogue was not tolerated. They were unwilling to even listen as I tried to defend my position. Wow. How …. un-American to not be encouraged to share ideas and feelings. Whatever happened to freedom of thought and speech? I felt stifled and quiet honestly a little fearful. I could deal with being ostracized from those who could not tolerate associating with people of differing opinions, but there was evidence that those who differed from the President suffered more serious consequences than that of social outcast.

Liberty is the right to choose. Freedom is the result of the right choice

Recently, I have witnessed, along with everyone else, the discussion and dialogue amongst fellow citizens who agree or don”t agree with the current President. And after feeling a bit perplexed and disillusioned, at the end of this day I finally feel… free again. We are actually living in the American society I believe our forefathers envisioned. A land where thought, all thought, is encouraged. A land where, freedom, all freedom is embraced. A land where equality for everyone is not the exception, but the law. A land where all law abiding citizens can pursue their individual interests, express their individual opinions and defend their individual values.

“If the freedom of speech is taken away then dumb and silent we may be led, like sheep to the slaughter.” George Washington

I acknowledge there are powers using and abusing this system to promote their agendas. But what is true is that we can choose to listen to and embrace whomever we choose… again. We can discuss and debate amongst each other… again. We can yell at town meetings… again. We can actually consider differing ideas and contemplate all the infinite possibilities… again. We can be creative in finding appropriate solutions… again.

Welcome home America.