Hillary Clinton's would-be senatorial campaign is off to a rousing start in New York State, With the obligatory radio and television interviews, the TV talk show circuit, and even a much anticipated appearance on the David Letterman show.

After watching David kiss up to Hillary in very uncharacteristic fashion, I was left wondering just how much freedom he had over the content of his own show that particular night. The following morning there were rumors surrounding the show that made me itch with curiosity about Hillary Clinton's use of her security detail for gaining a political advantage in the media. It seems the audience of the Letterman show was told they should expect a visit from the Secret Service if they did anything less than express their undying gratitude and absolute worship for her sainted self.

To me it sounded like your average run-of-the-mill use of intimidation tactics so common of politicians in third world countries. All in all, her visit seemed to go well for everyone concerned; the audience was congenial and David was the perfect host. The fact that Letterman had major heart surgery the very next day seemed to me a bit ironic.

So, what happens when a TV or radio personality asks the wrong questions of Mrs. Clinton? Let's ask radio talk show host Tom Bauerle of WGR- AM, in Buffalo, NY.

Has anyone seen him? He's been missing since Wednesday, when his guest Hillary Rodham Clinton and her entourage visited his studio. Seems he asked Hillary a few embarrassing questions about her rumored affair with the late White House Deputy Council and long time personal friend Vince Foster. The ever gracious first lady did seem a little taken aback by his audacity in asking of her the same kinds of questions which are so commonly posed to lesser people. What's the matter with you, Tom, don't you know that woman is a saint? Hillary Rodham Clinton seems very much like a reincarnation of leftist Argentinean First Lady turned megalomaniac Eva Peron.

The similarities are very striking indeed! Both Evita Peron and Hillary Rodham Clinton have reputations among the left as being so well loved for their humanitarian benevolence. But on the right we see a deep mistrust and, yea, even hatred for the cheap intimidation and violent activities directed toward their political enemies.

Tom Bauerle knows what kind of woman Mrs. Clinton is, that's precisely why he asked the tough questions; he's an informed reporter and knows how to do his job.

He can stand tall as an American and ask a politician anything at all, with full confidence afforded by the first amendment. His problem, though, was that he did not anticipate the repercussions being as real as they have turned out to be. My question is, "why?" The first amendment, as grand as it is, does not stop a thug from attempting to silence an enemy. In asking the off limits questions of her, Tom made himself out to be an enemy of Hillary.

Now there is quite literally hell to pay! He should have known, even expected such from the Hillary secret police; after all, hadn't they warned him in advance?

I have a real problem with those who stand like stone with squared shoulders proudly touting first amendment rights, and yet do not take up the very personal task of defending that right in the spirit of the second amendment. A mouth without teeth is wise to remain silent among a pack of wild dogs. I firmly believe that a right which is not personally owned is a right which has been abdicated. Secret police do not function well in an atmosphere of armed men who tell them to take a hike or dig a hole. Militant leftists such as Hillary Clinton thrive very well in such an environment of emasculated reporters who buckle under her pressure.

As long as men do not defend their freedom of speech from those who would silence them, they are not truly free. As long as the Clintons' intimidation tactics are allowed to wreak havoc among the reporters and talk show hosts, we may consider the first amendment suspended. I ask you, does that sit well with your American sensibilities? Will we continue to grant the Clintonistas freedom to oppress, or will we take back our own God-breathed right to a free press? People, it's up to us.

Tom Bauerle, lock and load, and for God's sake, get back to work!