We are still in the United States, right?

Because I could have sworn that we, as Americans are free to express our views, opinions and beliefs. Lately it seems that there is an unspoken law that prohibits this if you don't hold the most popular view/opinion of the day. And the punishment for going against the grain? Public humiliation, bashing and judgement from any person needing to catch the media's eye at that particular moment.

I am blown away by the way that Miss California has been treated. First of all, why are political and religious questions being asked in this contest? If the contestants are required to hold certain beliefs, they should likely be told ahead of time so that they know that their opinion will be up for punishment. Second, no one in this country is to be persecuted for his/her opinions. She answered the question in a nice, respectful way. She did not call anyone names, she was not disrespectful to people that do not share her opinion, she simply answered a question that was asked of her honestly.

Now the media is asking any celebrity who will sit still long enough for them to get the question out what they think of Miss California's views. Well lets see... my career depends upon how well people like me and want to see my face, I should probably go ahead and go with the crowd on this. WHO KNOWS what anyone's opinions really are anymore, they are scared to say! I mean... do you really think anyone in the public eye is going to stand up for her after watching the stoning she has been through?

The same thing happened with Obama. If you were not for Obama as president, you must be against all people of any race other than Caucasian. Never mind the fact that you have been a Republican for as long as you could speak, never mind the fact that you have real problems with his beliefs, never mind the fact that you might have actually liked John McCain and Sarah Palin. None of that is relevant. Hollywood chose Obama- if you don't agree, you are an ignorant redneck, prejudice, or just haven't done your homework on him.

One of the school shootings a few years ago, I believe it was Columbine, had a story come from it that was amazing. The shooter asked one of the students if she believed in God. She said "yes," knowing that he would shoot her for that answer. It seems that this situation is playing itself out all over this nation, a nation that is supposed to be free. I know that the school shooting was much more tragic and severe than the Miss California and Election situations- but it is comparable. If your beliefs are brought into question, should you be in fear of persecution if answer honestly?

We seem to live in a society where the loudest person rules.