Should we Criticize the President During War?

By: Jason Cunningham (09/28/2004)

Last year, I heard a statement that frankly shocked me, because it came from an educated person. National conservative columnist, Armstrong Williams said, "We should not criticize the President during times of war."

This statement aroused suspicion in me at first, but he probably believes it. I disagree strongly with the idea of not being able to criticize the President. First it is our Constitutional Right to exercise free speech when it is not threatening to anyone. This is supposed to be a democracy, where people vote so that officials can carry out the will of the masses when appropriate. Remember these politicians, including the President of the United States work for us!  If you believe something is not right, whether it be domestic policy or in foreign affairs, then be brave and say something.

Think about all of the conflict the United States experienced in the 1960's, Cuba, Russia, Vietnam, etc. Are you saying Mr. Williams that The Civil Rights Moment, which was highly critical of some in public life should have held off until all of our perceived or real wars had ended! What if we are always at war? No way would I reduce my civil liberties by giving the President or anyone else a free pass from criticism just because we are at war.