Standing by our country

A letter from Friday, July 27, stated in closing that "If you can't support him at least keep your mouth shut until the next election."

Really? This is not a communist country or one ruled by right-wing or left-wing dictators. It is our right and responsibility to offer our opinions on our government.

Was Patrick Henry silent, or did he say "Give me liberty or give me death"? Were John Adams or Thomas Jefferson silent when they and 54 others signed the Declaration of Independence, which was like signing their own death warrants if the revolution failed?

If what I say doesn't register, consider Theodore Roosevelt on the subject: "Patriotism means to stand by the country. It does not mean to stand by the president."

Michael Weiser

Wheeling