A Question of Patriotism and Freedom of Speech

For the last several months, I have met with, talked to, and coordinated with a remarkable group of active-duty soldiers who have formed an organization called Appeal for Redress.

These young men and women are the kind of people much like our sons, daughters, family, friends, and neighbors. Patriots all, most have served one or more "tours of duty" in Iraq, Afghanistan, or in both wars. In the case of "older" veterans from, say, the Vietnam War (like UUSC President Charlie Clements and me), these young soldiers are like our younger brothers and sisters.

The people who make up Appeal for Redress are not only military patriots but they are also "civic" patriots and defenders of democracy. Beyond their decorations for bravery on the battlefield, they are now exercising their right to freedom of speech at home in the United States. Sadly, some are being attacked and threatened with reprimand by their supervisors and officers. A recent episode of 60 Minutes addressed some of the problems.

Their first press conference was held at the Unitarian Universalist Church of Norfolk , Va. Two active-duty men, one African American and one white, Army Sgt. Liam Madden and Petty Officer Jonathon Hutto, started a petition drive to simply say: "We are patriotic Americans and having served our nation, in war and in peace, we believe staying in Iraq will not work,” as well as, it's “time for U.S. troops to come home.” They said, "It's not about speaking out against the military or speaking out against the war. It's just, we're here four years down the line and there's not an end to it."

More than 1,000 active-duty soldiers, sailors, Marines, Air Force, and Coast Guard personnel have signed a petition that was given to members of Congress. They say they’re permitted to express their opinions under a number of military rules, which the group lists. Among them is the 1995 Military Whistleblower Act. Although it prohibits them from speaking against the commander in chief or any of their superior officers, it does allow members of the armed forces to speak on their own behalf and “to make a protected communication to . . . Congress.”

According to President Bush, these brave service personnel are "bringing democracy" to Iraq. However, when it comes to these same brave service personnel exercising their First Amendment rights under freedom of speech, some are being retaliated against. As a result of their lawful right to dissent, some have lost their security clearances, others have been threatened, intimidated, or have been told their chances for career advancement have been put in jeopardy. Because they are all volunteers, they run the risk of losing or diminishing their chosen career paths.

What could be more hypocritical than questioning the patriotism of the very soldiers who are fighting, dying, killing, and being killed for the so-called democracy they are "bringing to the Iraqi people"? In our view, this is an important question of patriotism and freedom of speech. UUSC believes the answer is, "the rights of everyone adversely impacted by the Global War on Terror must be preserved and defended."