Freedom of speech should respect troops
by Roxanna Latifi NW News Editor

    In the midst of the war with Iraq, new developments occur hourly, and many of us have loved ones fighting.
    With the many worries, I hate wasting my time watching news reports about negative outbursts of celebrities.
    Do these celebrities believe they know how to best run our country? If the answer is yes, why didn't they run for office? Do those who disagree with the U.S. involvement in Iraq know why American forces are there and what they are doing? I think not. If I were being oppressed by a dictator who would stone me to death for showing my forearm, kill my father for refusing to join the army or torture my mother for speaking against inhumane actions from the government, I would pray each day for a powerful force to save me. For some Iraqis, the United States is that force.
    I agree war is devastating, but also know that, at times, it is necessary.
    The debate is not on the war itself but on how these celebrities can ridicule our president's decision, make the United States look self centered and selfish and not support our troops. The U.S. and British troops are giving their lives for humanity. Does humanity exist only in America?
    Madonna went over the line in her American Life music video, which contains images of war and, at one point, a grenade thrown at a George W. Bush impersonator.
    Madonna said she filmed the video before the war started and later withdrew it to respect the troops at war. Nevertheless, I found it ironic that she labeled this video American Life.
    Lenny Kravitz, The Beastie Boys and Natalie Maines of the Dixie Chicks are among celebrities criticizing our president and participating in anti-war activities. It's bad enough to bad-mouth our president and his actions in our own country, but this time, Maines took the insult further, making her anti-war statements in a foreign country.
    Because of Bush, Maines said she was ashamed to be a Texan. Did she not realize the effect of her statement on our troops?
    If you're going to disrespect America, at least disrespect America in America.
    I realize supporting our troops and supporting military action aren't the same. Nevertheless, Americans should not protest without properly educating themselves of the facts from both sides. Nor do I approve of people who do not seem to realize that some of our citizens are still giving their lives.
    Have respect for those who are fighting.