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- Subscribe - Contact Us - Rate Card - Place an Ad Valley&State Backpage O&E Sports Archives Classifieds Faith&Beliefs Obituaries Revels August 28, 2004 More on Swift boats and the election I wager that most of us who follow the news are feeling like we will heave lunch if we hear one more word about swift boats or military records. I have my opinions like most everyone else but find that this type of campaign is an insult to all of us. Who is served by avoiding a serious discussion of the very real problems that confront the average person? Certainly not the electorate. Upon being challenged to repudiate the attacks on John Kerry's war record, Mr. Bush says he thinks all outside groups should be banned from weighing in on the campaign. Oops, come again? The new campaign finance laws were created in a meager attempt to level the playing field between the candidates and their campaigns. They create some limits, which is good. The small problem with muzzling independent organizations from speaking out on the airwaves is a little item in the Constitution that has something to do with freedom of speech. As it appears to me at this point in history, there are a few more organizations who may wish to replace our current administration, than there are groups who support it. Hey, that's life in a democracy. Last time I checked, everyone has a right to express their opinions. As far as I understand it, as long as independent groups do not coordinate with specific campaigns, they are free to address their fellow citizens however they wish. To even suggest that we have this constitutional freedom taken away is downright shocking. Corporate power interests now control most major media. Despite laws about fairness and balance, they express extreme bias with impunity as long as it supports current economic interests and this administration. But now when a handful of grass-roots organizations dare to criticize the record and activities of this administration, suddenly they should shut up? Mr. Bush, what happened to "I disagree with your opinion but I will defend to the death your right to express it?" What happened to your inaugural vow as commander in chief to defend and uphold our constitution? You behave as if the constitution should be defended only when convenient for your interests. You have broken your pledge to the citizens of this country. I am at a loss for words to express the dismay and disbelief I experience when I listen to your words and observe the manner in which you recklessly wield your power. You have been carried this far by the respect the office of President holds. As a human being, and public servant, you have betrayed this trust. May I politely suggest that you do yourself and all of us a favor. Pick up a copy of the Constitution and Bill of Rights and at least read it through once before you speak out again. Diane Taudvin Ashland DailyTidings.com Home Page Valley&State | Backpage | O&E | Sports | Archives | Weather | Classifieds Columnists | Faith&Beliefs | Obituaries | Revels | Subscribe | Contact Us Copyright 2004 Ashland Daily Tidings and Ottaway Newspapers All Rights Reserved Click Here Site Search: .:Advertisements:. RESOURCES - Mail Tribune News - ODOT Road Cams