Interesting find in Congressional Record on Freedom of Speech

[zbdent]

I found this reference in the Congressional Record online, when talking about Bosnia (1995).

Interesting note about the freedom of speech, from a VietNam former POW.

FROM THE WASHINGTON POST, JULY 11, 1995

When They Burned the Flag Back Home--Thoughts of a Former POW

(BY JAMES H. WARNER)

< snip >

Because the mere sight of the flag meant so much to me when I saw it for the first time after 5 1/2 years, it hurts me to see other Americans willfully descreate it. But I have been in a Communist prison where I looked into the pit of hell. I cannot compromise on freedom. It hurts to see the flag burned, but I part company with those who want to punish the flag burners. Let me explain myself.

Early in the imprisonment the Communists told us that we did not have to stay there. If we would only admit we were wrong if we would only apologize, we could be released early. If we did not, we would be punished. A handful accepted, most did not. In our minds, early release under those conditions would amount to a betrayal, of our comrades of our country and of our flag.

Because we would not say the words they wanted us to say, they made our lives wretched. Most of us were tortured and some of my comrades died. I was tortured for most of the summer of 1969. I developed beriberi from malnutriton. I had long bouts of dysentery. I was infested with intestinal parasites. I spent 13 months in solitary confinement. Was our cause worth all of this? Yes, it was worth all this and more.

< snip >

I do not appreciate this power before I was a prisoner of war. I remember one interrogation where I was shown a photograph of some Americans protesting the war by burning a flag. `There,' the officer said. `People in your country protest against your cause. That proves that you are wrong.'

`No.' I said, `That proves that I am right. In my country we are not afraid of freedom, even if it means that people disagree with us.' The officer was on his feet in an instant his face purple with rage. He smashed his fist onto the table and screamed at me to shut up. While he was ranting I was astonished to see pain, compounded by fear, in his eyes. I have never forgotten that look, nor have I forgotten the satisfaction. I felt at using his tool, the picture of the burning flag, against him.

< snip >

[ret5hd]

1. powerful statement from a man...

who understands the constitution, freedom, and the associated costs.

thnx.

[Ducks In A Row]

2. Now if we could get people in this country to understand this