It seems it isn't enough to have a political opinion and to exercise freedom of speech without spending inordinate amounts of cash or to ignore the parts of the Constitution that don't fit an ideological profile. Thus the Supreme Court and other supporters of unfettered gun rights choose to ignore the amendment's opening lines "A well regulated militia being necessary to the security of a free state, the right of the people to keep and bear arms, shall not be infringed." Where are those well-regulated militias to which the second amendment refers?
And no-one has yet offered a satisfactory explanation for defining money as free speech or for congratulating candidates who disrespect the president, the press or each other with rude, self serving remarks. Ever since Congressman Joe Wilson interrupted president Obama's state-of-the-union speech by shouting "you lie" and was criticized by some but rewarded with contributions from supporters the tone of our political discourse has grown ever coarser and more inappropriate.
This country affords its citizens the right and opportunity to express views that may or may not be popular but for some reason this right has deteriorated into a license to ignore facts and supplant them with opinion and the assumption that any view may be posited on any occasion. The inexcusable behavior of Boston Bruin goalie, for example, in refusing an invitation to the White House honoring his team - - winners of last year's Stanley Cup - - was unconscionable and allowed political bias to interfere with the nature of an a-political celebration. Somewhere along the line we have lost a sense of rudimentary common courtesy. People like Tim Thomas seem to think it is acceptable to use any opportunity to express their personal views no matter how inappropriate or disrespectful. Thomas played a great series but receives a failing grade in good citizenship.


ne. Human rights must be taken absolutely seriously. Every single person is entitled to dignity and human rights. No application needed. No exclusions at all. This is our highest priority.