We are supposed to challenge leaders

The first amendment to the Constitution reads: "Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances."

In April 22's Fence Post a writer (Charles Fletcher) appears to think that it is time to abandon that part of the Constitution.

The First Amendment was written to protect the citizenry from prosecution for stating their opinions specifically about government. To suggest that people of any political persuasion should be charged with treason for making unfavorable comments about the president is ludicrous and un-American.

Perhaps it's time for all of us to go back and read the Constitution. It's a short read but forms the foundation for our republic and the greatest nation the world has ever seen. It may also open your eyes to just how far we've come from the original intentions of the founding fathers.

Their vision was of a small limited government subservient to the people. Our government now has made servants of us all. This bloated government bleeds us dry through confiscatory taxation then wastes our money in some misguided attempt at wealth redistribution, which is killing our economy and limiting our freedoms.

Congress writes laws without regard to the Constitution, the courts write laws from the bench and the President rules by "Executive Order."

I think that people criticizing the government should be lauded as heroes instead of being thought of as criminals. It's time for everyone who still believes in the Constitution and the vision of the founding fathers to stand up and be counted.

Jim Hader

Palatine