Our freedom applies to everyone

To the editor:

This is a response to Mr. Rock Fuqua’s letter to the editor.

I thought his letter was an interesting dichotomy of ideas. Unlike Mr. Fuqua, I am a U.S. Army veteran. I volunteered for three years’ service and served from 1970 to 1973 (history buffs will recognize the time as the Vietnam War era).

Every new recruit takes an oath to, among other things, protect and preserve the Constitution of the United States. Included in that constitution is the Bill of Rights, which is germane to the subject of this and Mr. Fuqua’s letter. That same Bill of Rights applies to all citizens, not just those who agree with our opinion.

Contrary to Mr. Fuqua’s assertion, it very much is about social injustice to those who protest. Mr. Fuqua assumes because he “loves the flag,” the protesters must be wrong. In other words, Mr. Fuqua infers and implies in his letter that these freedoms apply only if you act a certain way.

I love my country and I love the flag and I love the pledge, all of which I would fight to the death to defend. I also believe the words in the preamble to our constitution: that all men are created equal. I also believe that all the rights and privileges in our constitution apply to each and every person in these United States regardless of whether they choose to stand or kneel.

I would, if asked, give my life to defend Mr. Fuqua’s right to his opinion as would I give that same life to defend those whose opinion is different than his.

Freedom isn’t free if it only applies to those who think or look like we do. I have said before but it bears repeating: the current President of the United States is a demagogue, in my opinion, and he does what any good demagogue does, he creates an “us versus them” mentality among the citizenry.

Michael S. Kinser

Portland