Tomorrow, July 4, is when we, as Americans, celebrate our freedom, our liberties and our nation.
Smack-dab between primary season and the general election is what should be our most unifying holiday.
On your birthday people are grateful for and celebrate you. On Thanksgiving people are grateful for and celebrate with their families and friends. But on the Fourth of July people are often blinded by the fireworks and the sparklers, and we forget to appreciate the nation, flaws and all, that we call home.
Beyond political affiliation and approval ratings, we have rights and liberties not afforded to many others in the world.
The too often quoted and misquoted saying about what is expected of those who are given great opportunities applies to us, however the saying goes.
As trite and overdone as this fact is, we are some of the most privileged, highly educated people in the world.
But if we do nothing with that, and we don't take advantage of our rights, what good are they?
To a journalist, the First Amendment is paramount.
"Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances."
Despite the sometimes unsavory reputation of the press, those who risk life and limb to deliver truthful news to us are American heroes. Many even brave the frontlines, risking just as much as the troops we all vehemently support.
Because of the news and the information afforded to you, the readers, watchers and listeners, you have the ability to form well-rounded, well-informed opinions, and although it may not afford you the job security it is supposed to afford us, you should all exercise the First Amendment to its full extent.
Go to any house of worship you like, or go to none. Get in touch with your local representatives and air your grievances with them. They were elected to be your voice. And by all means, peaceably assemble.
However, even though you may not get a regular byline, you can also use this newspaper as your sounding board.
Bounce your ideas off of us.
We have no vote in Congress, neither state nor federal unfortunately, but we too can be your voice.
By writing letters to the editor, you can make your voice heard, no matter if that voice is angry, proud, disappointed or confused. Any opinion is a valid opinion, and we want to hear yours.
We regularly publish letters written in response to news stories, editorials, other letters and, more often than not, just the big issues that are on the minds of the people of State College and University Park.
If you are interested in the presidential race, write about that.
Write to us about how you think John McCain is an American hero or Barack Obama is a breath of fresh air.
Write to us about the Central Pennsylvania Festival of the Arts next week.
Write to us about how excited you are for the Olympics.
Anything that's important to you is important to us and surely other people in the community.
The Opinion page of the Daily Collegian is the only page where objectivity is stretched, opinions are expressed and issues are discussed, not just reported on. So participate. If you were waiting for a written invitation, here it is.
Colonists wanted freedom and Uncle Sam wanted soldiers. All we want are your opinions, in your own words.
So please, celebrate your rights this Fourth of July, and all year round.
Exercise them for yourselves and for those who cant or those who won't.
Katie Maloney is a junior majoring in Media Studies and is The Daily Collegian's opinion editor. Her email is klm5153@psu.edu.
