Though we have never met, Noelle Lorraine is, in my opinion, a Patriot. Why? Because like other Patriots, we share the same love of country, dedication to freedom, belief in our Constitution, and high regard for the Founding Fathers of this great land.

Subsequent to last week's election, Noelle exercised her Constitutionally guaranteed right to free speech and published a blog post regretting the outcome. She spoke from her heart in a moving and effective, perhaps even eloquent, way.

Unfortunately, some morally bankrupt cowards subsequently posted such vicious personal attacks upon Noelle that the editor of the Patch had to close off comments, something not previously done. It is always amazing to me that those on the Left who are the first to decry any attempt to moderate their speech and writings, are also the first to deny others the same right to speak out--and do so through verbal and physical intimidation.

This is completely unacceptable in a free society. The persons who engaged in these juvenile, senseless, and abusive threats went beyond the bounds of civil discourse, and entered the realm of those who would shout “Fire!” in a crowded theater, or incite mobs to riot.

Noelle will not be silenced by these cowardly attacks. The Patriots will stand with her, shoulder to shoulder, and will be honored to fight for the cause of liberty at her side. There is a quote from Winston Churchill that is eminently applicable to this incident, and to Noelle:

"A man does what he must - in spite of personal consequences, in spite of obstacles and dangers and pressures - and that is the basis of all human morality."

Much as Admiral Yamamoto said after the attack on Pearl Harbor, those who did this to Noelle have "awakened a sleeping giant and filled him with a terrible resolve."