OPINIONS: Who's right, and why

Recently I read the Opinion page and realized how precious is our freedom of speech. In this great country of ours we can agree to disagree. The letters from Pat Kinney and Laura Massie prove my point.

Kinney's letter was clear, understandable, to the point and correct. Massie's letter was a bit more rambling and full of bitterness but she got her point across also. Both letters proved Kinney is right. It's that simple. We will never all agree on all subjects but thank God for now that we still have this freedom. (I will not go into details now on how some of our political leaders want to silence the voices on the right while they scream out their hate speeches against anyone who does not agree with them. Perhaps we can have that debate later.)

The real reason I want to write this letter is because of the last paragraph Massie wrote in her letter. I had to read it several times because at first I thought it was a joke. No one could really believe the president should have the power to override anyone who does not agree with his "Jobs Bill." (The exception, of course, being Obama himself.) Either Massie does not understand how our system of government works or there is something more sinister at play here. If she doesn't understand, then here's how it works. You present your ideas, I present my ideas. We debate. If the people like your ideas better than mine then we do it your way. However, if they like my ideas more than yours then we do things my way. We do not have a king in this country or a dictator who overrides the will of the majority of the people. That is one of the founding beliefs of this nation. It sounds to me like you want this country to be governed by a king or dictator. Do you realize what you wrote? Millions of men, women and children have given their lives to be free from an idea that you suggested that we need to return to. If you think one man should have that much power perhaps you would be happier living in a country where one person does have the right to override the will of the people. You might feel more comfortable and you would not have to put up with those greedy and sinful Republicans because they won't be there.

Now for your convenience I have a short list of countries where they do things your way. Now by no means is this a complete list because there are scores of countries where they have leaders with override powers. Now for the list: Cuba, Venezuela, Syria and Iran. Now, should you decide that another country is more attuned to your thinking and relocate there please drop us a post card, that is unless someone overrides your freedom to do so.

I spent two years in the Republic of South Vietnam in combat zones doing my patriotic duty to our country and I take it as a personal affront when someone like you decides we need to toss out one of the most basic tenets of beliefs upon which our country is founded. It is stated clearly in a document called the Declaration of Independence. If you have not heard of or read it you can find a copy online or at any library.

You have expressed your opinion and I have expressed mine. The representatives we have voted into office will express the will of the people. You and I must live by the final outcome or continue to campaign to change it. If a person can't live within the system we have established in this country just remember the door is always open to leave.

KENNETH HARRIS

Coeur d'Alene