It is our right as Americans to speak freely, as guaranteed in the First Amendment of the U.S. Constitution. In the past, Americans have spoken out on abortion, book banning, civil rights, etc. We have written, protested or spoken freely on a variety of complex issues.
Yet today it is seemingly unacceptable to write about the need for a cease-fire in Gaza or the deaths of Palestinian civilians. Why is it only acceptable to either say that Israel has a right to defend itself or to condemn the Oct. 7 killing and kidnapping of Israeli civilians and others by Hamas?
Hamas’s acts were absolutely horrific and deserve condemnation. Israel has every right to defend itself. Yet, as Americans, we have an obligation to discuss all sides of the Israeli War in Gaza. The bombing of residential areas, schools, churches, hospitals, and denial of water, food, medical supplies, electricity and fuel are causing the deaths of Palestinian civilians each day.
Americans’ taxes are being used to fund Israel’s “defense” capabilities to the tune of $3.5 billion a year, plus an additional unknown billion to be voted on soon. Indeed, that provides all Americans a right to freely discuss the current Gaza situation.
Please use your guaranteed freedom of speech to say what you believe about the Israeli war in Gaza. We need to stand for justice, freedom and the right of all people in this world to live their lives in peace.
Elenara Joubert
Montpelier
