Delegation Resource Manual: Month by Month Implementation Guide
Page 18
YMCA PA Youth & Government Program
of democracies and it’s what makes America the envy of the world, as the home of the free and the
brave.
Last week, I received an e-mail from a retired U.S. Marine Corps Colonel from Virginia. Like
many Americans (and many American veterans), he had struggled with this issue and searched his
conscience for what's right. In his message to me, he said: "I have seen our flag torn in battle, captured
by our enemies, and trampled on by protesters. In all those events I never felt that the American way
of life was in grave peril... for whenever our flag fell or was destroyed there was always another Marine
to step forward and pull a replacement from his helmet or ruck sack.''
He continued: "The Constitution is the bedrock of America, the nation... the people. It is not
possible to pull another such document from our national ruck sack.' We have but one Constitution,
and it should be the object of our protection…''
…Mr. President, since speech that enjoys the support of the majority is never likely to be
limited, the Bill of Rights, by its very design, protects the rights of a minority in key areas that the
founders held dear. And it is the freedom to dissent peacefully that separates the greatest democracy
the world has ever known from other regimes like those in China, Cuba, Iraq, and others where political
dissent has been met with imprisonment and sometimes death.
If we reach past our natural anger and disgust for a few publicity-hungry flag-burners, we know
in our hearts that a great nation like ours, a nation that defends liberty all over the world, should not
imprison individuals who exercise their right to political dissent. And we know in our hearts that a few
repulsive flag-burners pose no real danger to a nation as great as ours.
Mr. President, I want that flag to be the proud symbol of a nation that is truly free. And for it
to be that proud symbol, we must also protect the sacred freedoms placed in the first amendment of the
Constitution by our forefathers.
I say that because the flag represents freedom to me. But the first amendment guarantees that
freedom. And when we seek to punish those who express views we don't share, then we--not the flag
burners--we begin to erode the very values, the very freedoms, which make America the greatest
democracy the world has ever known. I support our flag, and the republic for which it stands. But I
cannot, with the faith I have in that republic, support this constitutional amendment.
~ Volume - Be sure you can be heard without shouting
~ Tone - Your voice tone may represent enthusiasm, fear, sorrow or another
emotion. Be sure you are using a tone appropriate to your presentation
~ Pitch - Is your voice too high or too low? Can you manipulate it for clearer
understanding and fewer distractions?
~ Pace - Speak slowly so your audience can understand your message
How to improve your voice
~ Listen to your voice!
~ Practice your presentation and monitor your voice
~ Tape your presentation and evaluate your voice for volume, tone,
pitch and pace
Vary
Your
Voice
