Mike Kallam: Liberty dying

Patrick Henry, who happens to be one of my ancestors, declared, “Give me liberty or give me death.” In our new politically correct world, I am afraid he might have been executed on the spot.

Liberty has taken on a whole new meaning in today’s culture. One is no longer allowed to have an opinion that does not meet the “litmus test” of whatever group our media has put the spotlight on and classified as disenfranchised. Should someone dare voice a belief or opinion not in keeping with the ideology of the day, he is immediately attacked from all sides and labeled a bigot or worse.

Our country and our way of life were built on debate. Ideas and opinions were challenged and discussed, and in most cases compromise was reached for the good of all. Now rather than debate, we hurl insults and close our minds to the fact that one has the right to a different opinion.

I’m not sure this is what Patrick Henry had in mind. Rest in peace.

This story was originally published April 4, 2015 at 4:00 PM with the headline "Mike Kallam: Liberty dying."