The Clackamas Print
^HE CL^AA^S PRiNPr
Editor-in-Chief/
Copy Editor
Shadra Beesley
News Editor
Tina Tate'
Opinion Editor
Cyndee Mady
Feature Editor
Elisabeth Meyer
A&E Editor
Pete Ford
Sports Editor
Elena Boryska
Co-Photo Editor
Robb Egan
Co-Photo Editor
Cory Price
Webmaster
Joel Gaynor
Advertising Manager
Mark Falling
ext. 2578
Staff Writers:
Marvin Baker
Isaiah Crèel
Nic Delzell
Jared Eschweiler
Bekah Finch
Karen Hill
Noah Holland
Sadie McCarthy
Kim Steele
Production Assistants:
• Matt Baker
Katie Funk
David Kolibaba
Andy Price
Secretary:
JoAnne Gale
Patriotisrp vs. Freedom of Speech
Americans should honor our
country in a united stance
Americans should continue to
speak up for what they believe
The definition of a patriot, according to
Webster’s Dictionary, is “One who shows
love and loyalty for his or her country.”
While I don’t doubt that the thousands
of protesters who have been inundating
Portland’s downtown streets love their
country, I do question their loyalty to the
men and women in combat who are will
Cyndee Mady
ing to give up their lives in warfare to pro
tect their fellow Americans.
Opinion Editor
Recently I saw a large American flag
flowing upright in the back of a pick-up
truck, reminding me of the scores of flags and flyers adorning vehicles following
the tragic events of 9/11 like “Unitedjwe stand,” and “Proud to be an American.”
Natalie Maines of the Dixie Chides made headlines when she denounced
President Bush at a London concert stating, “We’re ashamed the President of
the United States is from Texas.” Seattle’s own Pearl Jam toured Japan and
Australia parading a mask of George Bush, which lead singer Eddie Vedder
would fling to the ground and promptly stomp on.
Where is our patriotic spirit now? Or are we so fair-weathered that we can
only come together when there is an imminent threat to our country as a whole?
Well I’ve got news for you. Our country is at risk, and when these so-
calldti Americans defame our government, especially to other countries, it
enables our adversaries to collect ammunition for enemy press and in turn
empower the opposition into a “divided we fall” mentality.
Protestors are monopolizing law enforcement agencies whose efforts
would be better utilized in defense of terrorist activity. Downtown business
es that may already be in jeopardy of closing their doors are losing valuable
income due to consumers avoiding these high traffic areas^congested with
people “rallying for peace.” These obstructions also make it difficult for
emergency vehicles to reach their destinations, which could prove fatal.
When peace marching has adverse effects on our community, it’s time to re
direct that energy into a more positive outlet. Candlelight vigils in appropriate
locations that honor our troops who have died, and those who remain in harm’s
way is one method of upholding individual beliefs while honoring our country.
Another way is to spend the hours normally expended in protest in volunteer
work that aids in making dur community a better place to live.
I don’t think anyone canhonestly say they are in favor of war, but the issue
here is not whether one agrees with the war, it is about expressing support to
our men and women in uniform by exhibiting loyalty to our government
regardless of personal convictions.
So resurrect those flags and flyers and let’s show support in a united stance
for the spirit of America.
■.“A fictitious war...set up by a
fictitious president,” said Michael
Moore at this year’s Academy
Awards; his words will not soon be
forgotten.
Statements by The Dixie Chicks,
Martin Sheen, and Susan Sarandon’s
promineht peace sign flashed to the
camera will also be remembered. How
Bekah Finch
dare they speak against our president
Staff Writer
when it is so important for us to be
united? They only get away with such
things because they are famous, and only in America.
Imagine such a statement had been
in Iraq. Michael Moore would
n’t have made it off that stage. Although American people are angered by the
acts of these celebrities and protestors across the nation,: all of these people
are expressing the same thing that makes this country great: freedom.
Freedom, my fellow Americans, freedom of speech, freedom to protest-
FREEDOM. What are we fighting for if not freedom? What did terrorists
attack on September 11? Freedom. That is what this country is built on; that’s
what we are trying to instill in Iraq and all over the world. Americans have
the right to say what they feel and think no matter bow ’’wrong” it might seem
toothers.
A
Since American forces bombed Iraq, there has been much outrage and
anger throughout the world, especially in America. People are panicking, and
they have a right to. American is sending young soldiers to a foreign land
where they may die.
These are difficult, scary conditions, and people are scared! Fear is the most
horrible of emotions, and people want to talk about it; they want to stop it.
The United States is a democracy. There isn’t just one person who makes
decisions. People are against war. People are for war. All these people have
the right to express their opinions; People are not against the US; they are
against war and because they are American citizens they have the beautiful
opportunity to express that opinion.
Americans are encouraged to be independent and Unique and show their
differences. If someone passionately feels war is wrong it’s his or her right to
express it. I love that about America. It’s unfortunate that many others take it
the wrong way, just as it is uhforturiatdithalikdme tiake their freedom to a neg
ative level like being hateful or harmful.
Taking the good with the bad is part of living in a country where we are
truly free. I’d much rather go to bed at night knowing people are speaking
their minds for peace than live in a world where I fear someone hearing my
opinion.
Do you think Americans should support
our president regardless of their beliefs?
Adviser:
Linda Vogt
Goals:
The Clackamas Print aims to
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The opinions expressed in The
Clackamas Print do not neces
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dent body, college administra
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The Clackamas Print
Copyright 2003.
“Yes. Stand behind
your government.
They won’t do any
thing horrible for
America. They’re
seeking our best
interests.”
- Anna Cronin
“No. If he’s not
doing the right thing,
don’t support him.”
- Nick Newton
“Yes, I may not
agree personally,
but we made the
decision on Bush as
a country. As for
this war, I stand
behind Bush.”
- Chris Bland
“It’s his decision, I
can only pray for
wisdom.”
- Melissa
Summerton
19600 S. Molalla Ave.
Oregon City, Oregon
97045
(503) 657-6958 X2309
cccprint@clackamas.edu
htip://www2.dackamas.edu/theprint .
Do you have something to shout about?
Letters to the editor are always welcome.
Drop letters by B-104 or send to
cccprint@clackamas.edu