Some years ago a new comedian arrived on the scene. Yakov Smirnoff, from Russia, made the phrase "What a Country!" funny. It didn't hurt that he said it with that cute accent. His observations about America -- especially in contrast to the Soviet Union -- were as astute as they were humorous. One of his points emphasized the vast freedom we enjoy in the USA, especially freedom of speech. In one of his routines he talked about Russian comedians having to submit their jokes to the Soviet Department of Jokes before performing their routine. No deviations from the script allowed. In case you want to see a short clip, here is a link to his routine:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5GK8ewRec7c
He made me think we have lost our sense of humor in this country, particularly when it comes to our basic freedoms. People seem to be so quick to take offense at almost anything. So many are up in arms that Colin Kaepernick refused to stand for our National Anthem. Well, I refuse to waste my energy on a washed-up prima donna who makes almost $12 million a year, sitting on the bench, ranting about who-knows-what. I do not get the connection between his refusal to stand and whatever his beef might be.
But that does not matter. What matters is that we live in a country where we are free to express our opinions, even when they are inane, disrespectful, and hideous. I think the Westboro Baptist Church, known for its hate speech against LGBT people, Catholics, Muslims, Jews, American soldiers, and politicians, sets a lousy example of Christianity. In this country their members are free to say despicable things to and about people. Here's the interesting part. What they say reflects more about their own character than the recipients of all that hate.
Yes, it is a great country. College students protest guns on their campus with a campaign slogan, "Cocks not Glocks," and they carry a symbol to visibly express themselves. Maybe that is a little inane, but it gets attention. Agree or disagree, but the statement is heard.
Even Donald Trump runs around our great country spouting all sorts of ideas. He is not a fan of the media. But it is our First Amendment that gives him access to all of the attention he so craves. Censorship or intimidation of the media would be a huge mistake (can't you hear his voice in the background -- huuuge!), because freedom of speech goes hand in hand with freedom of the press. If the press cannot freely report what is said, the next step will be limiting what is said. This is a great country precisely because our press is free to report what is going on. Without access to freely disseminated information we would be victims of whatever propaganda those in power would publish.
So regardless of how stupid someone's words or symbolic actions might be, I support their right to freely express him or herself.
Why, we are even free to buy a package of sanitary pads carrying the brand name New Freedom and stick them on our foreheads.
