But now, a recent statement from a fellow with a long and high-level title in Homeland Security has told us that “Politically motivated criticism and unfounded fear-mongering only serve the goals of al-Qaeda.”

This sort of statement is at odds with the political tradition of open discourse in the United States.  Now, if we lived in a totalitarian state or a military dictatorship, there would be some merit in saying that dissent is a threat to the state.

But in our democratic republic, the system is based upon debate, and criticism is part of how the government operates.  In fact, in any system where voting is used to make decisions, it is absolutely necessary that the public be informed of the positive and negative sides of both candidates and issues.

Whether or not the conclusions that I and others make are correct when we disagree with the government is a valid question.

But attempts to stifle the opposition of law-abiding citizens by implying that we are, in reality or in effect, allies of Al Qaeda is as offensive as it is dishonest.