Sometimes, it would be convenient or relaxing if the only people who could practice freedom of expression were the people who agreed with you.

But that’s not the way it works.

On Independence Day, Americans need to stop and consider how precious is our right to speak our minds and stand up for what we believe even when it isn’t the popular view.

In terms of speaking our minds, America seems to be enjoying a heyday. Kansans need look no further than their own state government to see vivid examples of vehemently held and aggressively expressed opposing views. In both our state Legislature and our state Board of Education, strong convictions continue to create roadblocks to conducting important state business.

If nothing else, Americans know how to stand on principle. Indeed, it is the bedrock of our wonderful, if sometimes aggravating, democratic system. If we expect our right to speak out to be protected, we have to make sure it also is protected for those with whom we disagree. Rather than try to parse who deserves the right to an opinion, our Constitution just ensures that right to everyone and, with very limited exceptions, protects their right to express that opinion as they see fit.

We’ve had the luxury for many years of mostly taking this right and other basic freedoms for granted, but protecting those rights requires constant vigilance. That’s why people worry about provisions of the Patriot Act. It’s why news media continue to fight for access to government information. It’s why, no matter what side of an issue you’re on, you must respect the right of people to be on the other side.

The current U.S. involvement in Iraq is a case in point. Some Americans support the president’s policies, others vehemently oppose the military action. Even those most chagrined by the situation, however, must pay homage today to a system that allows them to publicly criticize their government without fear of being killed or thrown in jail. They also should honor the soldiers who represent America around the world and risk their lives in the name of freedom.

The system seems to work better at some times than at others. It’s arguable that it works better when the American people and their elected representatives are less polarized than they seem to be today. That, perhaps, is the goal to which we might rededicate ourselves on this Fourth of July: to remembering that even though we don’t always agree, out of respect to this nation’s great ideals, we should work a little harder to nurture the tolerance and respect that have made America great.