To the Editor:
Recently, the Obama administration announced a new White House program to monitor American citizens’ speech opposing his proposed health care bill. On Aug. 4, in a White House press release entitled “Facts Are Stubborn Things,” it claimed the purpose was to encourage the public to report “fishy” speech or “rumors” that were misrepresenting the facts in any private, unpublished writings, and casual speech by emailing a copy of it or simply sending a message to the White House at flag@whitehouse.gov. It is expected that the identities of these citizens, computer IP addresses and copies of the alleged “fishy” speech would be placed on a list. The purpose of this list in unknown.
Let me remind the president and his entire administration that it is the right of the American citizen to use and express his thoughts in any speech. This right is protected and given to us by the supreme law of the United States Constitution, which is the foundation of our government. Under the First Amendment, which states “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.” The Constitution was written by our founding fathers, which were, in my opinion, brave, brilliant and much more experienced than most of our past and current president. A leader is one who leads not by squelching freedoms or uses intimidating methods, but leads with an open mind to opposing opinions and respect for all of our laws.
I do not approve of a nationalized healthcare, especially the one proposed by this current administration. This United States citizen, who is proud of his nation, was born in Cuba, 39 years ago. I know what a socialized/nationalized health care program is like. Based on our government’s history of handling social programs (i.e. Social Security, Cash for Clunkers), chances are it will also blunder this proposed new program, which will only worsen our national financial situation.
Another great leader, who came into office amidst a major national crisis and recession, President Ronald Reagan, once said, “We as Americans have the capacity now, as we’ve had in the past, to do whatever needs to be done, to preserve this last and greatest bastion of freedom. In this present crisis, government is not the solution to our problem, government is the problem.” He clearly knew the proper role and limitations of government. His understanding aided his administration to strengthen the United States at that time, securing us as a renewed world power, which does so much good in the world.
If you are a member of the silent majority, who opposes such lists or this health care program, please let your voices be heard. I, for one, would be honored to be placed on this “list.” If anyone agrees with this dangerous McCarthy-like program to monitor free speech, I ask you to please scan and email a copy of this letter to the White House email address given above.
God bless America.
ALEX RODRIGUEZ