Letter From the Editor - Does Anyone Care?

Dear Readers:

I try not to stray to far on this blog from the topic at hand, however I recently wrote about a topic that's dear to all of us and that topic being freedom of expression.

I recently wrote a letter to my most loyal supporters that seems to have hit a nerve and I will reproduce it here for you and print some of your responses without the name to protect the identities which is something that has to be done in todays climate of fear and repression.

You in the US are no longer free to express your opinion, as an example military blogger: Blackfive writes "milblogs are facing an increasingly hostile environment " hostile environment as in 'Cuban Blogger' and Iranian Blogger' Hello! I am I the only one to see the connection here?

Blackfives continues " with milbloggers receiving reprimands, verbal and written, not only for their activities but those of spouses and supporters."

Well you might say "no reason for alarm" reprimands are not as bad as beatings , again Hello! anyone paying attention to what is happening in the US ? Does anyone care?

The catalyst has been the treatment of millblogger C.J. Grisham of A Soldier's Perspective (http://www.soldiersperspective.us/).

C.J. is having to raise funds to cover legal expenses to protect both his good name and his career.

Blogger C.J. Ultimately, was forced to sell his blog to help raise funds for his defense in this matter.

Well you might say,"Ray what does this have to do with me 'We are not military bloggers, the campaign is only directed to silence Military Bloggers'

Well again "Hello America!" Does anyone really give a damn that the Constitution and freedom of speech is rapidly becoming a moot point?

The fact that I had to leave my adopted country in order to exercise my right to free speech after having to spend thousands in attorneys fees in order to defend my right to keep my blog and ultimately had to leave to escape persecution, along with Journalist Janet Phelan and countless others is not important, but when an important segment as is military bloggers are forced to sell their blogs to a third parties that will accommodate the party line, 'Should this not be a cause for concern?

If a segment of the blogsphere is being silenced, starting with ElderAbuse and Elder Financial Abuse issues, and now military bloggers, discreetly as it might appear, how long do you think it will be before they come after you?

If you think not then continue to crow about how free you are, and continue to concentrate on how other people don't have the right to free speech while you lose yours and the carpet is being pulled put from under you and go in your merry way........

Yours Truly.

The Editor

ElderAbuseHelp.Org