sick of guilt by association

IN THE LATE 60'S and early 70's I was very much against the Vietnam War. I protested, I attended anti-war meetings and rallies. I did all I could - at that young age - to add my voice to the growing chorus of dissent. I remember the Weathermen group then, and remember supporting their views, though not violent action.

It must be, then, that I am anti-American or - at the least - supportive of terrorist views. After all, it sure seems to me that guilt by association is the theme of the RNC.

William Ayers is a college professor and highly respected in the city of Chicago today. Did he say he wished he had bombed more? He did. Why? We don't know, but I suspect he still does not agree with the government. It's important to know that Ayers was NEVER convicted of crimes. It's also important to know the William Ayers of 1970 is not the William Ayers of 2008.

Violence is never the right course of action, and I support peaceful dissent. It seems to me that even peaceful dissent is not even acceptable these days -- witness 15 anti-war protesters arrested this past week outside Hofstra University the night of the last presidential debate. Not a big item in the news.

The America we live in today is not the America we lived in 20 years ago. The middle class works harder for less money and fewer benefits, while large corporation CEOs make millions. Small companies and businesses struggle to keep their staff on board, to pay their healthcare benefits. There's something really wrong here. We need change. We need the people of this country to be heard. We need to stand up for what we believe, make our voices heard about unfair policies and doctrines. We need to help our fellow citizens make it through these tough times.

Politicians say that those who oppose their views are anti-American. I counter that. I say those of us who speak out are, perhaps, MORE American that those would lie about others in order to win their office, and attempt to silence us with techniques of fear.

I love my country. I'd like to see it return to a place of respected position in this world. It's time for change. I have already cast my ballot.