I would like to add to the Sun Journal article, “Law moves Rumford protesters,” which dealt with Rumford officials’ removal of “peaceful leafletting and picketing” in front of the Rumford town hall (May 17).

The state law states: “For the 45 days preceding an election, during the hours when the town clerk’s office is open and may be conducting absentee voting, that the display or distribution of any advertising material intended to influence a voter’s decision regarding a candidate or question on the ballot for that elect is prohibited …”

The First Amendment of the U.S. Constitution. regarding freedom of religion, press, expression, ratified Dec. 15, 1791, includes that “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.”

I think it is obvious that the removal of the peaceful picketers in Rumford was unconstitutional, as is the state law that allowed such action by the government abridging the freedom of speech.

As people celebrate Memorial Day to remember the men and women who gave their lives defending freedom, I would ask: who will stand up for freedom of speech in America?

Tom Fallon, Rumford