With the recent downturn of the economy, now more than ever, Americans are torn between the idea of big government and small government.

Democrats have long been known for spending billions for social programs, while Republicans believe the government should stay back and allow the American people to take personal responsibility for their progress.

The recent bailouts and stimulus packages supported by the new President have added even more fuel to the fiery debate over government spending.

The great thing about the entire issue is that we can openly debate it. We can even protest, as demonstrated by the recent Tippah County T.E.A. Party.

Some argued that the Taxed Enough Already event was nothing more than a Republican ploy to undermine the new President. Whatever the case, it shows that America still remains the leader is providing one right that everyone can agree with—the right to openly express an opinion.

Citizens of this great nation don’t have to resort to extreme measures to protest government ideas. The Constitution’s freedom of assembly protection in the Bill of Rights guarantees that.

In 1969, Jan Palach, a 21-year old philosophy student, went to the main square in Prague, doused himself in gasoline and set himself ablaze to protest Communist regression in Czechoslovakia. He left a note near his charred body stating that more young students would follow his lead until changes were made.

More did follow Palach’s example and although the tactic seemed unthinkably awful, it rallied the nation and ultimately led to a liberated Czechoslovakia.

Those students were not afforded the opportunity to assemble and speak out against the government because Communist rulers in that day would crush even the thought of such a thing.

In the midst of political protest such as the one displayed on the Tippah County Courthouse steps on April 15, maybe we should be thankful for the freedom to add our personal thoughts to the debate - it’s the American way.