WHAT THEY DIED FOR—America set aside Memorial Day to honor those who died fighting its many wars.
Most of you are familiar with the … according to Portland papers … ‘white supremacist kills two people in a hate crime report.’ The two men killed were trying to protect a girl wearing a head covering from being attacked by the supremacist.
Earlier this week, America spent a fair amount of time debating the wisdom of a Congressional candidate in Montana beating up a reporter who irritated him by asking questions about health care.
There are connections here. The American Constitution protects the people’s right to speak freely, worship … or not … freely and to enjoy the benefits of a free press. As we honor those who died in our wars, it is also important that we also honor what it was they died for: the right to speak freely, worship freely and enjoy the benefits of a free press.
In the midst of the current give and take we’re engaged in in this divided country of ours, you may have to give a little. But it will be a small contribution compared to what those we honor today gave … their all. Their lives.
Ken Draper-Editor, CityWatch
Editor@CityWatchLA.com
