Toying with idiocy

Oh my, what an interesting letter:

Bush's closed campaign

As an American, I deeply resent that I can't attend a Bush campaign rally and ask a few questions just because I'm not of the conservative political stripe.

Anyone can attend a Kerry campaign event and ask questions.

Democracy must remain an open door to different opinions and freedom of expression if it is to survive.

Richard Whiteford

Ummmm, let's see....last I checked, there were no political allegiance requirements to attend a political rally and listen to a speech. I assume Mr. Whiteford feels he has a right to go to politician's speech and interrupt the speech with his questions.

And he has point: he does not have that right.

No one does.

The people who attend both Bush and Kerry rallies cames to hear the respective leaders speak - not some inflamed jackass.

An analogy is apt: if you went to a symphony with your trumpet and started playing in the middle of the performance, you would also be arrested. The concert goers came to hear the professionals play - not you.

You can't steal someone else's crowd for your own purposes.

It's a violation of the free speech!

Well, maybe it is (if you are a moron).

Freedom of speech is not an absolute; it only survives within certain controls.

For example, you can't incite a riot, phone in death threats, commit libel or create a disturbance to prevent others from being heard. This is a case of simple (painfully simple)law in action, and Whiteford's attempt to portray Bush supporters as brownshirt thugs doesn't stand up under scrutiny.

The only question is how he managed to write the entire letter and send it off without thinking this out for himself.

- posted by total @ 10/11/2004 09:04:00 AM .