Silenced Farmer

On Feb. 28, radio host Robert Skoglund, the “humble Farmer,” aired his views about war – how the resources of a region were drained and lives needlessly lost. He appeared to be talking about Hitler but the reference to George W. Bush was unmistakable. I called Maine Public Radio that night to thank Skoglund for speaking out.

Since then, Skoglund has been reprimanded by the MPR program director, has apologized and has been instructed to refrain from political comments in the future. His is a music show, he was told, and speaking out against war was not for him to do.

It would have been better, I think, if Skoglund had not muddled Bush and Hitler. But his message was clear and at a time when we were on the brink of a disastrous mistake, I was heartened to hear his voice.

Garrison Keillor, on Prairie Home Companion, makes no bones about being a liberal Democrat and often goes further than that – his anti-war views are evident. His show also is a music show, interlaced with commentary. Should Garrison Keillor be reprimanded, his voice silenced? I hope not.

In like fashion, Robert Skoglund should not be silenced. Free speech is essential to a democracy.

Olive Pierce

Camden