Former weapons inspector and Marines intelligence officer Scott Ritter was interviewed by Crimea24 TV May 22, while visiting Crimea as part of his 20-plus day book-presentation tour of Russia. When asked if he were not afraid of the consequences of what he is saying about his government’s policies, Ritter gave a lesson in real American citizenship, answering:
“The United States of America is founded on the concept of freedom, especially of free speech. So for me to be afraid of the consequences of exercising my right to free speech, would mean that I am afraid of being an American. I love my country. I’m proud to be an American, and I will defend my right to exercise free speech for as long as I live. Governments come and go. The Constitution is forever. And I took an oath to defend the Constitution, and I will do so by speaking freely, whatever the consequences.”
