Freedom
People everywhere should be deeply concerned when any person or any group suggests restrictions on our innate freedom, as limiting any of our liberties remains the fastest and deadliest route to tyranny. As recent polls show, Americans are nearly unanimous (90 percent) in favor of protecting our Constitution so people may express views different than the President or government. We must immediately denounce attempts to limit freedom in the face of fear because our individual and collective freedoms make people, nations, and our world a better, safer, and stronger place.
Here are words to remember when anyone questions a person’s right to learn the facts and express dissent.
Amendment I: Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances. — U.S. Constitution
Patriotism means to stand by the country. It does not mean to stand by the president or any other public official. — President Theodore Roosevelt
That we are to stand by the president, right or wrong is not only unpatriotic and servile, but is morally treasonable to the American public. — President Theodore Roosevelt
To announce that there must be no criticism of the president…is morally treasonable to the American public. — President Theodore Roosevelt
…let me assert my firm belief that the only thing we have to fear is fear itself — nameless, unreasoning, unjustified terror which paralyzes needed efforts to convert retreat into advance. In every dark hour of our national life a leadership of frankness and vigor has met with that understanding and support of the people themselves which is essential to victory. President Franklin D. Roosevelt
