Americans should be more united

For the last month, there has been an ongoing set of letters that allege being a Democrat is tantamount to committing treason. I have read each of these letters and wondered why in America we are having such discussions. We are all Americans and all profess knowledge of the Constitution. We all "know our rights." Have we forgotten that the First Amendment guarantees free speech for every citizen? What is so wrong with frank discussions about issues that affect us all?

And how does a frank discussion equate with charges of treason? Those are serious charges that could bring death as a punishment. Is that what we want for our fellow Americans? Is that how divided we have become in this country? I would like to think we would come to each other's aid when needed, but now do we have to pass a political test before receiving that help? Can't we be Americans first and political second?

When D.D. Todd laboriously listed all the quotes from various people as having made "treasonous statements" [June 3 letter to the editor], were questionable comments made by conservative pundits considered? To be fair, what is wrong with having an opinion and expressing that thought?

I would hope we would not become a country of lemmings and all go off a cliff for fear of speaking out. Are we afraid of educated discussions, afraid to listen or think through issues objectively? Is it just easier to "blame the other side" than think things through fairly? I sometimes wonder if we are not making it easier for our enemies with all this fractious talk and looking suspiciously at one another.

This is not a perfect country. We do have problems. The economy is pretty tough right now with food and gas prices rising daily, the mortgage crisis and a war in two countries, to mention a few. These issues are colorblind, as they affect the wallets of every American regardless of political affiliation. This is the perfect time to come together and have open and frank discussions to solve these problems. We should all be respectful of each other and get back to being Americans!

Cathy Miller