The Return of Freedom of Speech

For too long Americans have been cowered into silence. Questioning those in power was rude, unpatriotic, treasonous even. Those few citizens who managed break through the walls surrounding the President and his cronies to address them directly were dismissed in the main stream media as wackos. Cindy Sheehan's credibility as the mother of a soldier fallen in the Iraq War should have been beyond reproach, yet "Cindy is crazy" was the meme.

When Jean Rohe spoke directly to John McCain at the New School commencement she was repectful yet firm. She answered his condescending address point-by-point before he delivered it. The initial reaction was to denounce her "bad form." McCain dismissed her and the New School as "living in a dull world where they can't listen to the views of others." McCain's speechwriter, I can't imagine anyone being proud of that job, called her an idiot.

In the past, that would have been enough to erase the brief flush of democracy and restore autocratic order. It hasn't worked. People are actually reading Ms. Rohe's remarks. The truth and verve of her speech stands up against the banality of McCain. Her respectful approach impresses far more than the rudeness of McCain's staff.

Americans are standing tall and proud again. They are standing up to the despots and racketeers who claim a divine right to rule over us.

Caesar had his Brutus; Charles the First his Cromwell; and George the Third— [Cries of "Treason! Treason!"] George the Third may profit by their example. If this be treason, make the most of it. ~ Patrick Henry

tag: new school, john mccain, Jean Rohe