Country founded on dissent

I wonder if President Donald Trump knows that our country was not founded on the lyrics of “The Star-Spangled Banner.”

Rather, our country was founded on the notion that citizens had a right to free speech, including therein the right to speak out, by word or action, to express their opinions, have their voices heard, and to protest where the citizens deemed it appropriate. This right was deemed to be so important that it was put in the First Amendment to the Constitution in the Bill of Rights.

It appears that “The Star-Spangled Banner” was not sung at sporting events until well into the 20th century. So, I ask: In what democracy founded on dissent does the president believe it is appropriate to urge employers to fire individuals who exercise their First Amendment rights?

The frightening bullying continuously displayed by this president serves as a serious threat to our democracy. While criticizing and intending to affect the economic livelihood of those who peacefully protest disparities in the treatment of races in this country, he finds little fault in those who chant racial and anti-Semitic epithets while carrying symbols of heinous and universally condemned groups.

As citizens of this democracy, we are obligated to maintain a strong moral conviction to the rights of all, a strong moral consciousness to the dignity of all and, perhaps above all, a strong and vocal opposition to all, including the president, who would work to diminish the rights or dignity of any of our citizens.

Robert H. Storm Wauwatosa