I have a few things to say in response to Michael Ring’s letter titled “Insulting,” printed in the Sun Journal Feb. 8.

I understand and respect the fact that his opinion, and the opinions of many people, may differ from my own. I encourage the expression of these opinions. However, I was highly insulted when Ring suggested that I “parroted” the lines of others. I don’t need to.

Millions of people have lost their jobs since the president took over, yet he said during his State of the Union address that the economy is improving. I know, without being told, that this is not the truth. Why is it that we are now conducting a full investigations of weapons of mass destruction in Iraq after we used that as an excuse to invade the country and after over 500 Americans lost their lives?

I understand that privileges such as freedom of speech come with responsibilities, such as dignity and civility, and I owe President Bush the same amount of respect I owe anyone who has repeatedly lied to me.

I think it is highly amusing that Mr. Ring finds the words of a 18-year-old to be more offensive than the actions of the Bush administration. Nonetheless, I, too, look forward to a continued debate with him because exercising the right to freedom of speech, however passionate, sarcastic or controversial that may be, is always appropriate and always worth defending.

Annie Chuprevich,

Monmouth