by Larry Matthews

Created on: February 13, 2008   Last Updated: February 14, 2008

Yes, I believe protesters should be permitted to express themselves outside military recruiting offices, as long as they do not directly interfere with the functioning of those offices. Everyone in this country has a right to express themselves. As a former soldier, I may not agree with the position of the anti-military types, but I do not have a right to shut them up.

I am old enough to remember the Vietnam era, when such protests were common and widespread. I also recall the harsh treatment received by returning veterans. Thank God today's returning warriors are not being subjected to that.

As a young reporter I also witnessed protesters being beaten and gassed. True, some of them did what they could to provoke a harsh police response, but many others whom I witnessed did nothing more than state their case against the war. At times I was personally offended by what the protesters were saying, but I never questioned their right to be where they were to state their case, even though, as a veteran, I was appalled at their argument. Over time, however, I came believe that the war in Vietnam was wrong.

Let us not forget that we are a nation of freedom, even though there are those who would (and are) limit the freedoms that have come to define this nation. We should welcome dissent and differing points of view, particularly as they relate to issues of life and death.

Those who choose to join the armed forces are engaging in a noble calling, despite disagreements over how our leaders engage those forces. Ultimately, the sacrifices they make help reinforce the values of the nation, including the right to shout outside recruiting stations. These freedoms were hard won and are precious to future Americans who may one day themselves be called to either serve or protest, or both.

My belief is that it is better to speak up than be shut up. Let the value of the arguments decide the issue in the democratic manner by informing as many people as are willing to listen and learn.

There is no shame or dishonor in permitting free speech. If a young man or woman is making a personal decision to serve, the comments or signs of a few protesters should not matter in that decision. An argument could be made that that young American is willing to put his or her life on the line to enable that protester to continue to enjoy the freedom to do it.

The honor at issue is a personal value, not a government regulation.

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