Do you feel lately that you can't speak your mind?

Back during the campaign, Obama staffers sent out notices to news stations that they "need not air" certain things--that set my alarm bells ringing. Now we are browbeaten by cries of racism if we disagree with his policies. Yes, our constitution guarantees free speech but we must guard it carefully and always be watching for those sneaky people who would defile it.

During the Iraq war I was busy raising my children, lived way out in the desert and didn't have much exposure to the world. That must be why this is all new to me. It's wrong to call people unAmerican when they dissent. It's our DUTY to dissent if that's how we feel, that's what keeps us strong. I don't mind hearing opposing views, it's healthy. But I don't like being shushed because someone is afraid. Thanks for sharing your experiences, I did learn something.

"It's wrong to call people unAmerican when they dissent. It's our DUTY to dissent if that's how we feel, that's what keeps us strong. I don't mind hearing opposing views, it's healthy. But I don't like being shushed because someone is afraid." It is our job as Americans to question our government, and healthy dissent is always good in any country. But, you always have to keep an open mind as to what you hear because everyone is spinning something. "Thanks for sharing your experiences, I did learn something." I just hope that you look back at how people like me were treated when we questioned our government, and how you are being treated now. I don't think that you are being treated right, and I do feel that you should be given the right to air your views. But, just remember that some of the people that are upset with your views are because we knew 8 years ago what you are learning today. I try to treat people better then they treated me, but I two have my days where I get so angry at people who didn't listen to me then.

I kept quiet for the sake of my friend, she was really scared and that was the town she had to live in, not me. I will say what I please whenever I wish! I think it might get worse but I hope not.

This is very sad. My Aunt living in the US actually said the same thing. She feels like she has to keep her mouth shut because you never know who you're offending when there are die hard supporters of the current administration. She says, what's worse is when they accuse her of being racist when really, it has nothing to do with race. All she is really concerned about is the future of her Autistic son who is my cousin.

rg0205, I'm sorry that your aunt has to have fears in our country. This is something very new that we've never had before, I hope she realizes that. If everyone would realize it, maybe we could do something about it. I hope you aunt enjoys her visit in every other way and that your nephew is alright. I have talked to people about the racist stuff and have never talked to anyone that agrees with it. I have several black friends and neighbors and they're very upset that someone would be called racist just because they disagree with the president. This is something the liberals have started in order to divide us--division is the easiest way to conquer.

Hatley, it's endeared you to me, Hon! There's no need to "keep your mouth shut"! Remember that old saying..."Sticks and stones may break my bones but words can never hurt me." Annie

You may be right, Hatley, in your confidence. I would never scold you or put you down for what you believe in. You have a right to your opinions and I may not agree with you but I'll fight for your right to say it! There are a lot of supporters of the president and I'm not one of them. But if it turns out that I am wrong, I will personally write him a note of apology and admit it publicly, too. Hey, I was wrong about Bush. I apologized for nearly four years for helping to vote him a second term. None of us is right all the time but I'm sorely afraid that my fears will be realized with this administration. Keep proudly expressing your views--it's your right!

My friend's town was the opposite--a staunch supporter of Obama and God help anyone who expressed dissatisfaction! This is very scary. We should all be able to say what we want. I don't agree with your support of Mr. Obama, JodiLynn, but you have every right to voice it without harassment!

Jodilynn, I can sympathize. I've read some bad happenings where union guys have beat up those who DON'T support Obama. There is no reason in this country to do such things by either party members. We are ALL being manipulated and made to fear. Divide and conquer. Oh...'they' are real smart about doing this and have been at it for decades. They fight and insult one another during the campaign and then when it is over they all go back to being buddies and helping one another out. We suffer. My plan is to ditch both major parties as worthless and start educating myself as to what the issues are and since I know where I stand on them, vote accordingly. No more am I going to trust either 'side'. For they are both just as bad as the other.

I have heard now and then that you folks have a lot of trouble from the Muslims, that they've become a big influence in your country. There's not much coverage of it because the media here don't want to offend them. Is this true? I sympathize with you. It seems that our governments have been given over to idiots or madmen--or both! But I won't shut up! I shut up to protect my friend and feel awful doing that but she is old and gentle and would not do well if attacked verbally or physically. Much more of this and people will really start revolting. I'll join them.

you hit the nail on the head there with that comment!, its really getting out of control, The muslims are hell bent on changing western civilisation! They are offended by EVERYTHING!!! its actually very very frustrating that they get away with half of their comments!. My sons school has banned the nativity play at christmas....so not to offend muslims (im athiest but it doesnt offend me????) My sons school has banned the centurys old childrens song ''baa baa black sheep''.....so not to offend the muslims. Everything is pointed at RACISM...its just an excuse! They come here in their thousands.....dont work......get housing benifit,weekly allowances, free house, free furniture and much much more, Then they scream the racism card because other people in the uk dont want to live the muslim way???!!!! WE ARE PAYING FOR THEIR LUXURY LIFE WITH OUR TAXES!!!! and if thats not a kick in the teeth by our goverment then what is????

Oh and yes you are right the media never covers it because of the offence issue! do you know that in our G20 protests a man was killed by a police officer......he wasnt even involved and was walking home from his job at a bank.The whole event was caught on tape and there was massive media coverage on the protest. The police also didnt think twice about spraying peaceful protesters with mace and battering people with battons. Although about 3 months ago a crowd of over 10,000 muslims protested outside the israel govermenet here in uk, I saw the videos and they were throwing cones, fireworks and basically chasing the police down the street, not ONE police officer reacted???????!!!!! And the only media coverage on it was a little 50 word post in the sun newspapaer???!!!! We might as well face the fact that everyone is scared of them......i dont know why but our goverments just seem to bow down to them????

I don't think I should have to censor my conversation that is in a normal tone of voice in a public restaurant where everyone else is talking, too. When we feel as if we should not speak, something is very wrong. I'm talking about everyday things--politics, romance, business, etc. If I was talking about the details of a romantic encounter, I would censor myself because it's none of anyone business and it's something I would not like to hear from the next table. But anyone should be able to talk about non-personal issues whenever and wherever they like. I heard a LOT of talk about killing Bush, what a jerk he was, how he should be impeached, the past 4 years and I didn't say anything because that was their right. Now the tables have turned, I guess the party members can dish it out but they can't take it. What worries me is that they're taking physical action and that endangers our freedom of speech. Thanks for making your point and letting me ramble!

Bush and Obama are two peas in a pod and work for the same agenda. With that said...the danger does seem to be a bit more pronounced now a days...what with the White House PUBLICALLY saying they're keeping lists. Used to be, they kept their shinanigans secret.

Thank you for your kind words. I honestly don't hold Obama up on a pedestal. I AM disappointed in some of the things he's doing, albeit not the same things most on the right are angry about. Annie

I totally agree with your last sentence! I remember feeling some hostility when I started to disagree with what Bush was doing, the last couple of years of his presidency when I began to be really interested in politics. But I never felt the threat of physical violence as I and others are feeling now. I do feel as if you and many others hold this president up on a pedestal and can't see a lot of what he is doing and how our constitution is being violated repeatedly but you know, I did the same thing with Bush. And maybe I'm the one who is wrong about Obama, I'm open to that but the facts tell me differently. Regardless, I hope you'll state your opinion freely. People who call you stupid are wrong. Just ignore them and join a discussion that has more intelligent people that are interested in sharing ideas, not preaching!

I don't expect anyone to be sympathetic or respectful, just keep their hands off my body and my property. My friend has conservative friends who've had their windows smashed, their cars vandalized. That's just wrong. Yes, I understand why you keep your opinions to yourself at work. When someone is doing business--shopping or otherwise--they should not have to deal with politics. There are places where politics and other subjects should be avoided. You are being considerate and mannerly when you don't talk politics at work or remain noncommittal when the people you're dealing with express their own opinions--which is poor manners on their part.

How true. I held my tongue solely because I was concerned for my friend, who isn't in the best of health. I heard Dobbs resigned but I never watched him and don't know the story. I guess I will look it up today, thanks for the tip.

[b]I never watch CNN unless it's on in a doctor's office, & I'm forced to wait while it runs. So I didn't know much about it, either. Turns out they wanted him gone because--although he isn't a believer in the so-called "Birther" movement (he believes Obama's presidency is legit)--he did often report on their questions (which became his own) as to why Obama has spent well over a million dollars to keep not only his real birth certificate buried, but all his records! After all, Dobbs asked reasonably (reasonable to folks with common sense...), why would anyone spend that kind of money to keep what are easily & cheaply-available records from being seen? For that simple, honest, old-fashioned journalism, he had to go. Maggiepie "WHERE'S THE BIRTH CERTIFICATE?"[/b]

I had my last job during the last election, for a few months. I wasn't sure what peoples' politics were or how strongly they felt so I kept my mouth shut, especially since it was a temp job. They'd all talk politics but never around me. Turned out that they had views similar to mine but they weren't sure how I felt and didn't want to offend me! I think we should be able to discuss anything with no repercussions.

There are some wonderful people here and some very deep thinkers that look deeper into the issues than most. I really enjoy them! Yes, we have to be on watch. The sheep are beginning to awaken and I hope it's not too late.

I agree, it's all about greed and power and control of the people. And the more we are divided, the better they like it. When the people fear the government there is tyranny but when the government fears the people there is liberty. I think Thomas Jefferson said that. It's time to put some fear into our governments!

Yes, we've taken our right to free speech for granted and it's slowly being choked out. I have heard that in China you can't say what you think, is that true? Is your government as cruel as my government says it is? I read today where China government arrested a few dissidents so they couldn't speak to our president when he arrives. Tell your gov't not to worry--if it doesn't directly benefit him, our president doesn't care about anything or anyone. Thanks for replying, have a great day!

Thank you! I appreciate getting some information straight from someone who lives there.

No,there is a little misleading,Both America and china are democratic national country.Our motherland is beloved by all,The people's deputy stand for our will at the people's congress.The chinese people delegate the power to the people's congress.The notional people's congress and people's congress at various levels are the organs whereby exercise state power,like method of yours.2008 china has been showen by the whole world in Beijing Olympic Games.The world has seen the condition of china.we can say whatever we like to.Not like what you said,if you dislike the way of government,You can tell it,by a different way compared to America.

Once you've brainwashed a large part of the population, you have your thought police. I've never seen anything like this although someone else pointed out that during the Iraq War something similar happened to people who were against it. I don't recall that, but right here and right now I am very much alarmed. I will never consent to have my ideas censored, although I might shut up in consideration of a friend's safety as I did the other day. I feel like a traitor doing even that.