Lost in translation

However you feel about Cindy Sheehan, MeTheSheeple would hope you have a view of the First Amendment different than this:

Sheehan told the group "our hearts are connected," regardless of people's races, countries or religions.

As she spoke, a man disrupted the service with loud questions and shouts of "This is unpatriotic!" before he was asked to leave.

"I believe Bush is doing what he should be doing," said the man, William McGlothlin of Marked Tree, Ark. "Freedom of speech is good until it gets out of whack."

Is this guy actually arguing that freedom of speech is great until it involves life-and-death matters? Isn't that the time it's needed the most?

One of America's finest patriots argued that patriotism requires dissent. He actually argues it's treasonous to shut up at important times; witness those who say it's treasonous to talk during important times:

No man thinks more highly than I do of the patriotism, as well as abilities, of the very worthy gentlemen who have just addressed the House. But different men often see the same subject in different lights; and, therefore, I hope it will not be thought disrespectful to those gentlemen if, entertaining as I do opinions of a character very opposite to theirs, I shall speak forth my sentiments freely and without reserve. This is no time for ceremony. The questing before the House is one of awful moment to this country. For my own part, I consider it as nothing less than a question of freedom or slavery; and in proportion to the magnitude of the subject ought to be the freedom of the debate. It is only in this way that we can hope to arrive at truth, and fulfill the great responsibility which we hold to God and our country. Should I keep back my opinions at such a time, through fear of giving offense, I should consider myself as guilty of treason towards my country, and of an act of disloyalty toward the Majesty of Heaven, which I revere above all earthly kings.

The author, Patrick Henry, fought to have the Bill of Rights passed.