Think before you speak

This adage is frequently spoken, but seldom done. It makes sense in theory. However, if you are no sorry for the things that you say, whether thought out or not, then it doesn't make a difference.  The ramifications of your speech; however, can be life changing as we have seen this week.

A few months ago, a professed Israeli-American, released an anti-Islam movie around the U.S.  According to reports, while it was in English, there wasn't much traction with the movie.  However, when the movie trailer was uploaded onto YouTube and translated into Arabic, the outrage was heard halfway around the world.

While many of us were doing our part to remember the horrific events of September 11, 2001, the rumbling of anger and resentment began in the north African countries of Libya and Egypt.  When the protests and violence ceased on that day, four Americans were killed and the American Embassy in Egypt was breached. All of this because people have an aversion to a religion that the most likely know little to nothing about?

Mitt Romney stated during his press conference on Wednesday, that he would not apologize for American values and principles.  I'm wondering when American values and principle included denigrating other religions. America was founded on religious freedom . . . as is freedom to worship as you choose. With very few restrictions we have kept that promise, so why now is it appropriate for persons in our country to attack and say reprehensible things about prominent figures in the Islamic faith?

As the President stated on Wednesday, I don't agree with the violence in Libya and Egypt. There must be ways to peacefully protest. However, you cannot condemn the violence in Libya without also condemning the reason for the protest.  When your children act out of character you chastise them but you don't disown them. Similarly, one can disavow the actions of the "filmmaker" in California without casting aside our values of free speech.  As with all of our rights in this country, there is a limit to Free Speech.