As our American political campaign season is now only seen from the rear view mirror in our drive forward, creating a new historical and political future for our country, I have been deeply appreciative of the constitutional right of “Freedom of Speech.” 

Freedom of speech has allowed our comics, late-night TV hosts, and Saturday Night Live players to continue the timeless role of humor. Their brand of “telling it like it is” helps us truly see, reflect, record, and encapsulate in time our political and social characteristics.

Comics throughout ancient history, such as the court jester, have been given license to speak truth about the folly of our human foibles. The SNL players over the past 40 years have a rich historical record of spoofing political candidates and presidential administrations that can be viewed through the internet’s archival system.

My hats off to the Seths, Stephens, Trevors, Jimmys and all the SNL Prime Time players who have decreased stress with truth-laced humor. Laughter is good medicine for what ails us!

God Bless America that we live in a country with the First Amendment and freedom of speech. I pray that the rights of all citizens will not be compromised by power-seeking leader.

Donna Hunter

New London