We have freedom of speech, but we are not free from the consequences of our words. In the context of protesting the war there comes a point where a person can go from a run of the mill war protestor into a Tokyo Rose where they become active participants with the enemy. Whether that is their intention or not is irrelevant, the results are the same. For someone to allow themselves to be used as a propaganda tool for the enemy is to become a foot soldier for their side. Yes they do have the right to protest, but they should consider the consequences of thier actions. Demoralized troops and an encouraged enemy costs American lives and prolongs the war.

I then segued into blogging. While liberals are using old tired 60’s tactics to protest and holding up signs with meaningless slogans, bloggers are hitting their computers and making articulate and intelligent arguments for their positions. Blogging is the cutting edge of political discourse and it is getting results. There are many examples in the media of bloggers making a difference. I cited the CBS memo forgery scandal and the roll bloggers played in changing the designs for the flight 93 memorial.

There was also a question and answer period. It seems like it was one liberal after another mainly making speeches rather than asking the panel questions. There were a few questions I jumped in to answer. One of the liberal panelists said that we started the war on terror. I couldn’t sit silent for that one. We did not start the war, it came to us. It started long before 911 that is just when the United States finally woke up. One lady said we should do all we can for peace. I said that peace is a great thing but what peace means to us is not the same that it means to militant Islamists. In there twisted view all women would be subjugated and forced to wear a burka. War is preferable to that kind of “peace”.

One audience member in particular gave the most powerfull and moving statement of the evening, including those of the panelists. I wish I had his name, but he was an older veteran. What ever I write about him cannot give his speech justice. He was so elequent and every word struck such a cord that even the liberals in the room were taking in every word.

He basically reiterated what I had said about protestors aiding the enemy. He cited the North Vietmanese General who said that they would have surrendered years earlier if not for the enchoragement they recieved from war protestors in the United States. fifty Thousand names on the Viet Nam war memorial would not be there if it was not for the efforts of war protestors.

All in all it was a great experience. I talked to Rocky Anderson afterwards. He said he had read some of my articles. Particularly “May We Buy You A Drink Mayor Anderson”. He said that the press had misrepresented him especially the Deseret News. He said they blew it all out of proportion and inflated the numbers. It was not a “bar tab” but perfectly legal dining expenses. I told him to be fair, I would publish his side of the story. You can decide for yourself. Even though it was a hostile crowd and I didn’t really get to say everything I would have liked to it was still a blast. I would do it again if they dare invite me back.