I have suggested to several people in conversation recently that they also write letters to the editor. An acquaintance told me that the fear of "retribution" to his family kept him from writing. Several others confirmed this fear. Retribution essentially means punishment. It has been alluded to in the past in the context of the fear of action against some school children if their parents visibly supported measures school authorities or employees found disagreeable. Why should the fear exist? Does it also exist if we think to write critical letters to our elected county, state or federal representatives?

On Jan. 6, 1941, President Roosevelt articulated the four essential freedoms of a free world. First and foremost was freedom of speech and expression. The fourth was freedom from fear.

On Veterans Day, we honored the 24 million living veterans. There are more veterans today than there were at the end of World War II (18 million) even though there is no draft. Every one of these veterans (and many more of us besides) has sworn to support and defend the Constitution of the United States of America. The First Amendment provides for freedom of speech and the freedom of the press. Since Congress is prohibited from abridging these rights, every lesser authority, and individuals, are also so prohibited. Retribution for saying or writing things contrary to popular opinion is not acceptable.

We need more letters to the editor than from just the few frequent letter-writers. We need lots of different expressions of opinions so that ideas can be exchanged. Your letters and ideas may result in approvals and supportive actions, and ridicule as well; but no harm will come to you or your family. You might actually do us all a lot of good.

Paul Early