Right vs. Privilege
American citizens have certain inalienable rights granted by our Constitution. And Americans also have privileges which are granted by law.
Freedom of speech is a right of citizens. Driving an automobile is a privilege. Both carry responsibility.
People are granted the privilege to drive an automobile if they can pass the test and abide by the rules. But citizens are guaranteed freedom of speech, without restriction. That freedom, however, is limited during wartime.
A Marion County couple who wrote a letter to the Hutchinson News seem to have stepped over the line of decency and probably also committed a treasonous act.
America is at war. But like Jane Fonda's remarks during the Vietnam war, probably no action will be taken about the couple's letter.
They said they were sending back a flag which appeared in the newspaper. They won't be displaying it. They said it would be "more appropriate to display a black flag of mourning for the people of Iraq."
The couple has exercised a basic American right which is a plank in our platform of freedom. While most people don't agree with them, all Americans agree that they have the right to be critical — except during time of war.
— BILL MEYER
