To the editor:

I thank and commend Call Newspapers for publishing Mr. Longo’s letter. 

While serving this country wearing a military uniform for over 30 years (now retired), I swore allegiance to uphold, defend and protect the U.S. Constitution. During periods of political strife and public angst, comments and opinions are freely shared, offering thoughts pro and con to the latest pertinent subject. My military brethren and I would often discuss that while we may not personally agree with all citizen opinions, because of the oath we freely took, we fully supported their constitutionally guaranteed right to sound as ignorant, stupid, bigoted or racist as they chose.

There is a time-honored adage, offered in many iterations, attributed to Mark Twain, among others, that succinctly states some sage advice. “It is better to remain silent and be thought a fool than to open one’s mouth and remove all doubt.” Perhaps Mr. Longo has forgotten or was never taught this valuable life lesson. What a shame.

I would gently suggest to Mr. Longo that he locate a 6th-grade civics textbook and review the chapters discussing the essential concepts of our constitutional government, to include the amendments and their application.

To close, a couple of favorite quotes that appear apropos:

 “No amount of evidence will ever persuade an idiot.” – Mark Twain.

“Nothing in the world is more dangerous than sincere ignorance and conscientious stupidity.” – Martin Luther King Jr.

And, my personal favorite from that great philosopher, Forrest Gump, “Stupid is as stupid does.”

God bless.

Gerald Schaefer

Concord