Free speech is for all; Embassy Bank ad appreciated – Aug. 7 letters to the editor

Its a free country for Democrats, too

What do conservatives not understand about free speech? Because they say something, does that mean the rest of us are compelled to agree with them? No. We have the same freedom and are allowed to disagree with statements we find incorrect or distasteful. Mr. Chick-fil-A can say whatever he believes to be true about marriage. Those of us who disagree with his narrow-mindedness can call him narrow-minded. Thats our right!

Free speech does have consequences. Just ask the Dixie Chicks after their criticism of President Bush led to radio stations down South refusing to play their songs and right-wing groups organizing boycotts or mass burnings of their CDs. So dont pretend that conservatives play nice, and its just the left who get carried away, or that its just the Obama administration that tries to silence its critics.

I really enjoy the talk of class warfare, like its something the middle class invented. The rich have been waging warfare against the rest of us since the middle ages ... it took the middle class this long to decide to fight back. When you vote in November, ask yourself whether you want Mitt Romneys 15 percent tax rate raised or lowered. Mines 28 percent. Id think he can afford what I (and most of us) pay. Thats what this election boils down to. Figure out what you paid, and vote with your economic interest in mind ... make Mitt richer, or make Mitt pay what the rest of us pay.

KEN RAPP

Easton

Local business owner appreciates bank ad

A recent ad by Embassy Bank included the headline, Lehigh Valley Business Owners: You DID Build Your Business! As a local business owner, I was encouraged to see that fact recognized. Especially after President Obamas now-famous gaffe: If youve got a business, you didnt build that. Somebody else made that happen.

Oh, really?

Our family has been in business here in the Lehigh Valley since 1929. Every generation of Deiter Brothers ownership has worked very hard to provide heating, cooling, fuel oil and propane to Lehigh Valley homes and businesses. Ours is not an easy business. Like many small businesses, ours requires long hours, costly equipment and financial risk. But in the process, business owners help support the local economy by creating jobs and paying taxes. So I join Embassy in saluting any local business owner who puts forth the risks to reap the rewards. Washington may not know who really made your business happen, but we do!

Originally posted here:
Free speech is for all; Embassy Bank ad appreciated - Aug. 7 letters to the editor