Saturday, August 21, 2010
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Gwinnett Daily Post
Kathleen Parker’s column “Free speech isn’t easy, nor is it always sensitive” (Aug. 19, Page 6A) raised some thoughts.
It is amazing how people can rationalize a certain viewpoint. In her view, “the mosque should be built precisely because we don’t like the idea very much.” Also “that it hurts some people’s some people’s feelings is, well, irrelevant in a nation of laws.” I believe in this case she must be referring to the friends and relatives of 9/11 victims and the majority of Americans. Carrying this statement a little farther, why should we be concerned about asking someone who was stopped for a traffic violation for proof of residency? Why are we concerned about a Christmas play or Halloween party in schools, a moment of prayer before a sporting event, or a cross on public property to honor fallen veterans or law enforcement officers? Is it because these things are “insensitive” and hurt some people’s feelings? Ms. Parker’s thought process seems to be very selective. It appears that if you are in the minority, such as atheists, Muslims, or illegals, you should not have your feelings hurt. However, if you are in the majority, you are fair game but need to be sensitive and tolerant towards others. As Ms. Parker so eloquently states, “ultimately, when sensitivity becomes a cudgel against lawful expression of speech or religious belief — or disbelief — the loser is all of us.” This is true only if applied equally to everyone — even the insensitive and hurtful majority. — Robert Pietruszka LilburnMore like this story
- PARKER: Free speech isn't easy, nor is it always sensitive ( August 18, 2010 )
- LETTERS: Democrats listen, but message not reaching people ( November 9, 2010 )
- PARKER: The outrage industry ( January 22, 2011 )
- PARKER: Better read than dead? ( January 8, 2011 )
- PARKER: It's time to hit pause button on the outrage ( August 25, 2010 )
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