An Open Letter to Mike Huckabee

Just as this the title suggests, this is an open statement towards former Arkansas governor, Mike Huckabee. Towards the end of July, Huckabee announced the creation of "Chick-fil-A Appreciation Day," a day to express support for Cathy's affirmation for "traditional family values" (which we really know is conversation jargon expressing distaste for homosexuals) by urging fellow conservatives to buy chicken from one of the franchises. At this moment, I am unable to find a suitable email address for Mr. Huckabee, but, once I do, I shall forward this message to him. I am not expecting him to reply or to even read it, but I suppose that this is better than sitting idly.

Dear former governor Huckabee,

I am not sure if you are aware of it, but President Obama recently signed into law the "Honoring America’s Veterans and Caring for Camp Lejeune Families Act of 2012." The bipartisan bill supports a wide variety of things that are great for our nation's veterans, but some sections of it particularly trouble me:

"While ensuring the freedom to protest, but protecting the rights and the honor of the families of the fallen, those wishing to protest military funerals, or at national cemeteries, shall be subject to restrictions, and if violated, protesters shall be punished by criminal or civil action. In addition, servicemembers who die on active-duty shall now be eligible for Presidential Memorial Certificates to honor their service to the Nation. (Sections 601, 603, S. 914, Sen. Mark Begich)" Source

Obviously, these sections refer to the actions of the infamous Westboro Baptist Church who cruelly protest the funerals of fallen soldiers, linking it to our nation's growing acceptance of homosexuality. 

While I do think that it is in best intentions that this portion of the bill exists, I do as well think that it crosses a line into the issue of our constitutional right to free speech. Being a small government conservative yourself, you should be worried whenever any form of government subjectively decides what acceptable and unacceptable free speech are. This could be a slippery slope, ultimately limiting our speech to what the government finds unoffensive. Personally, I find this completely against our American principles. I am not alone either; the Supreme Court has ruled on this issue in the past and has found that limiting even Westboro Baptist's hateful protesting is unconstitutional. 

Now, you are probably asking yourself--why is this relevant to me, Mike Huckabee of Arkansas? As an East Tennessean, I have absolutely no relation to you in any way and, as a self-described liberal, I disagree with a lot of your positions. However, this is a constitutional issue; so it should be relevant for all Americans. 

In the past month, you have shown your passion for free speech. You helped to create the successful "Chick-fil-A Appreciation Day" to show your support for Dan Cathy's ability to make public statements, affirming his right to free speech. Ironically, none of my fellow liberals were bold enough to even attempt to suppress this man's right to say whatever he wants, but my point is that you showed quite evidently your passion for free speech. 

On July 26th, you even posted the following on your public Facebook page:

"We're simply asking people to eat chicken and not to be one when it's time to take a stand-our appreciation is not only for the views of Dan Cathy, but for his right to have them and express them freely."

Our rights to express our opinions are now actually being encroached upon by the federal government. Will you please express the same passion on social media and on your television appearances for free speech concerning this glaring issue? You are a very visible person and your words do not go unnoticed. I wonder how many Americans are unaware of what is truly happening to our dwindling right to freely express ourselves. Your putting forth of public condemnation of this section of the bill would truly show that you are a man who champions free speech.

Thank you,

Brandon B. of Knoxville, TN