Editor, The News:
In exercising his right to free speech, Oliver W. Shaffer propagated some misinformation in his letter of Oct. 28.
This country protects the right of free speech for its citizens more fiercely than any other nation in the world. People have exercised this right by criticizing our president, a few going so far as to equate him to Adolf Hitler. Others have called Republicans fascists and Democrats immoral or un-Christian. They were not arrested.
On Oct. 28th, President Obama signed the defense authorization bill into law. Attached to it was the hate crimes bill, also known as the Matthew Shepard and James Byrd Jr. Hate Crimes Prevention Act, of which Shaffer warned us so ominously.
People will continue to exercise their right to criticize our president, a few going so far as to call him a racist. They will not be arrested.
The Westboro Baptist Church will plan its next protest at the funeral of a soldier killed in Iraq, holding signs that read “Thank God for dead soldiers.” They will not be arrested because they will remain on public property.
The signs I’ve seen on Route 422 on my way to work saying, “Obama is a liar,” etc., will still be there. The owner will not be arrested.
Hate becomes a crime when a man is attacked because he is gay, and beaten so severely that he dies five days later. Hate becomes a crime when a man is dragged to his death behind a car because he is black.
With freedom comes responsibility. And part of our responsibility as citizens is to avoid taking everything we read or hear at face value. We must seek the truth, including the truth that hate speech is still protected speech in this country.
Bonnie Humphrey
New Castle
Letters to the Editor
LETTER: Americans have right to hate
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There is much to appreciate in what community offers
The other day we were running around, and I thought how great the road system in this county is. You can go anywhere and everywhere all for free. We passed stores that were packed with all the things you need, and at reasonable prices. There are restaurants and theaters all around, and no end of free things you can do.
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Treatment of children seen as harmful by local agency
Editor, The News: Having an American family, these days, seems to have lost its value. I am the mother of two much-loved children, who are in foster care by Lawrence County Children and Youth Services.
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Farmers may learn too late the true cost of a gas lease
Editor, The News: “All I can say about that is that we’re going to make a lot of farmers around here rich,” was the response given by a shale industry spokesman at a recent event at Wilmington Area High School when he was asked about what effect shale gas well drilling will have on our local agriculture.
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Politicians seek sacrifices from only some citizens
Editor, the News, On April 26, 1945, my father, with a wife and four children, voluntarily joined the U.S. Army. Twelve million people were in our military and fighting the world war raging over much of the globe.
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City should not eliminate historic district protection
Editor, The News: I have been following the proposed changes by city council for the historical district. As someone who has served on city council for more than 17 years, I believe these changes would be a big mistake.
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Obama budget plan declares war on charities, churches
Editor, The News: The march is on for President Obama’s war on deductions for charitable contributions and religion. Obama wanted to greatly limit tax deductions on charitable donations. Informed Americans cried “foul.”
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Neighborhood watch efforts draw communities closer
Editor, The News: After living on my street for over 30 years, I am finally learning the names of everyone on our block. I’m ashamed to say I have always been too busy to get involved with their lives.
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No changes seen regarding the definitions of marriage
Editor, The News: Have the teachings with respect to marriage as contained in the Talmud, the Torah, the Old and New Testaments, the Koran, British common law and Webster’s dictionary changed?
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Cancer society seeks assistance with transportation for patients
Editor, The News: Did you know that there are people in our community who cannot get to the cancer treatments they need to possibly save their lives?
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