Dakota Beacon

George Orwell’s novel "1984" has caused many to consider what is happening in today’s world as a fulfilled prophecy. Others would call it mere science fiction.

Originally written as a warning about the dangers of a totalitarianism, government surveillance and the abuse of power, it should be a wake-up call for those on either side. Though perhaps not intentional, we find ourselves on one side or the other and there seems to be no room for middle ground. It’s time we openly discuss what is happening in this country and not be hypersensitive to someone with a difference of opinion.

One side sees the present condition of the Republic as disintegrating, with the erosion of freedoms as cause for concern warranting immediate and decisive action. The other side favors a slow, incremental approach to change and leaves the government in charge.

In my view, the choice boils down to the value placed on the individual rights enshrined in the Constitution, especially the First Amendment rights. In acknowledging the God-given rights which guarantee freedom of speech, religion, the press and right to assembly,

they make up the bedrock of a republic. The day will come when you don’t agree with what the government is doing and you will need the right to speak out and exercise your right to a redress of grievances. It's up to individuals to stand up and say so when they disagree with something; debate is an essential part of a free society.

I see three major threats to free speech:

1. The myth of certainty. I call it the black and white lie. It is the idea that everything can be reduced to two categories — either black or white with no gray area in between.
2. The fear of differences.
3. No absolute truth. It’s too complicated for the people to figure out what’s true or false. Just ask the White House press secretary.

I believe we can still win the war raging against our way of life and the ideologies of freedom, but we must do something now. It’s time to act on what we believe to be true. We must admit our country is not healthy and the government is not the solution to the problem.

The answer rests on the creativity and innovation of America’s people. Buy some gray crayons. Embrace your right to your opinion and in doing so, guarantee the same right to your neighbor! Don’t believe everything the “authorities” tell you. Don’t forget what the constitution stands for, get familiar with its contents. Be informed. Do you know the gist of the first 10 amendments, the three branches of government and what the separation of power means?

Remember the Holocaust and the horrors of Marxism as Stalin effectively silenced the Russian people. The west was unaware of the gulag until Josef Stalin died in 1956. There are very few memorials in Russia.

The French philosopher Voltaire sums it up with this quote: “I may disagree with you, but I will die for your right to say what you think.”

Gary Emineth is the former NDGOP state chairman and host of "Open Range" on BEK TV.