In last week’s Beachcomber, one Vashon citizen raised the question as to the proper use of one’s First Amendment rights under the Constitution. (“Demonstrators Don’t Get It,” May 22.)

To become a naturalized citizen, a candidate for citizenship must swear under oath that he or she will, to the best of their ability, preserve, protect and defend the Constitution. I don’t believe that our founding fathers intended that foreign- born citizens should have a greater obligation and duty to defend the Constitution than citizens who acquire their citizenship through birth. That means that every citizen, whether born here nor not, has a duty and an obligation to preserve, protect and defend the Constitution to the very best of their ability whenever it is under attack and in jeopardy. It is proper to conclude then, that the highest and most honorable use of one’s First Amendment rights is when they are used to protect and defend our freedoms.

Without reference to President Obama’s accomplishments or lack thereof, he has, in fact, committed egregious crimes and misdemeanors that under our Constitution require that he be impeached. I believe The Beachcomber letter to the editor has properly brought this to our attention. My hope now is that this paper will allow this topic to be aired publicly in fair and thorough discussions. Doesn’t good citizenship and honorable journalism require as much? Let me start by naming just seven categories of crime we should consider. In 300 words I cannot elaborate here. Use Google: Accessory after the fact and obstruction of justice; war crimes as defined under the Nuremberg and Geneva Conventions; contravening of the War Powers Act; contravening laws that protect whistle blowers; undermining citizens’ right to privacy; pursuing cruel and unusual punishments, and continued suspension of habeas corpus.

— Mark A. Goldman