Morally Treasonable
Recent sharp criticisms of George W. Bush by Senator and Presidential candidate John Kerry have been portrayed as tantamount to treason by, among others, Majority Leader Tom DeLay and RNC Chairman Mark Racicot.
On the contrary, Kerry's words are refreshing evidence that we still live in a democratic republic. It is not just the right, but indeed the duty for all citizens, especially opposition politicians, to speak out against the policies of our leaders when conscience dictates. Mr. DeLay has understood this when it served his own purposes. During our war in Kosovo, he blamed our military for provoking Serbian attrocities.
The day dissent from the loyal opposition is silenced, we will have lost the moral struggle for America, regardless of the outcome in Iraq or any other foriegn war.
In the coming weeks, we must hear vigorous debate about the shape of the peace in Iraq that we all pray will come quickly. We must sharply question the administration's plans to put Iraq under a military governorship, question their plans to continue shutting the UN out of the rebuilding process, question their domestic agenda and their international priorities.
Finally, we should all remember the words of Republican president Teddy Roosevelt: "To announce that there must be no criticism of the President, or that we are to stand by the President, right or wrong, is not only unpatriotic and servile, but is morally treasonable to the American public."
3:48:40 PM 
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