A prominent politician is coming to visit my school tomorrow and is taking time to speak to an assembly of students. While it's a pretty common occurrence at my school, we'll say this politician is a bit more controversial and noteworthy.
While most speakers draw crowds to hear them speak, this occasion is different. Recently, what has really been bothering me is that there is a large and growing number of students here who have organized a protest to having the politician come speak on campus. In addition to that, there has been talk (and I'm hoping it stays that, just talk) for some people to even heckle this politician during their speech. This really hit a nerve for me since beyond just being unnecessary, it's absolutely ludicrous in my mind that people would even do such a thing. I'm all for exercising one's right to assemble and also for free speech but this raises a different issue. I've worked on a newspaper and been involved in my fair share of causes so I'm more than familiar with that kind of stuff, but it's the whole time, place, and way that's bothering me. À mon avis, if you're really so opposed to what someone stands for or believes, express your reasons it in a thoughtful, respectful, and proper way and give that person a chance to respond.
Hookup: New York Moments Part 2
7 months ago
While the right to free speech should be defended, that right ends when it crosses the line to hate speech directed at an identifiable minority. Hate speech is also used under the guise of religious freedom. Homosexuals and people who are gay-friendly should not be ignored or dissed by politicians, cos this is a large voting group around 10-20%. And I always vote for the most gay-friendly party!. - Wayne :)
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