The Bush administration whipped up American public opinion to such a fervor over what were essentially erroneous claims. And, Mr. Bush chastised those nations for doubting his fabricated evidence for Iraqi WMDs. Turns out the French and Germans were right on target.

And I recall posting here over a year ago raising questions about the veracity of these claims and having my patriotism questioned because of it. Turns out I was right and Tom, Ed and company were wrong.

This experience is an excellent illustration of why freedom of speech is so important. People of this nation must be free to speak out when they believe their government is wrong. The courage to speak out is the highest act of patriotism there is. Those who bitterly questioned the patriotism of those questioning the reasons to go to war, are themselves, less than true patriots for a country that supposedly values and cherishes the right to speak freely.