Comments
by Java Mann
Today,
let's examine the first amendment and it's guarantee of true freedom of
speech. In a recent edition of the Boston Globe, I happened across
an editorial by Jeff Jacoby, where he suggested that, by protesting against
Laura Schlessinger, her radio program, and her planned TV show, the gay
and lesbian community is somehow curtailing her freedom of speech.
Obviously I am confused.
I mistakenly thought that the same first amendment that gave her
the right to speak her opinions extended to me, and allowed
me
to speak my mine. How foolish of me.
According to Mr. Jacoby the
gay and lesbian community are flexing the muscles of it’s mighty war machine
to blacklist and silence any who would dare speak against it. He says that
rather than argue against opposing views, the gay community labels these
views as "dangerous" and "hate-filled".
Pot Kettle Black
The fact is the American
Psychiatric Association has long ago concluded that there is nothing inherently
wrong with homosexuals. The fact is there is no information proving homosexuals
are disproportionately inclined to be pedophiles. In fact, there IS evidence
disproving this. There is no evidence that homosexuals recruit. There is
no evidence that a loving monogamous homosexual relationship is any more
dangerous than a loving monogamous heterosexual relationship.
There is, however, evidence
to prove that many of the emotional problems (including alcohol and drug
abuse, suicidal tendencies and low self esteem) that do plague the homosexual
community are in fact caused by the bigotry and hatred they are subjected
to on a daily basis by the alleged "Normal" community. The fact remains
that the arguments routinely presented against homosexuality are void,
vapid and vacuous. They are born of ignorance and bigotry. Repeating these
lies, distortions, and fabrications is not "arguing a point", it is harassment,
and it is hateful.
Your opinions about homosexuality
may differ from mine, but they are no more valid than mine. Your religious
beliefs about homosexuality may differ from mine. Your are welcome to them.
I would love to say that you are free to express your views, beliefs and
opinions in any way you choose, but common good dictates otherwise. Just
as you cannot shout fire in a crowded theatre, shouting your beliefs from
a soapbox on a crowded street corner might violate zoning laws.
Assuming you find an appropriate
street corner to vent your mind, I am not required to listen, nor will
I supply the soapbox. Laura Schlessinger is free to speak her mind, and
Paramount is free to produce her show. I am free to protest her show and
boycott it’s sponsors. And amazingly Mr. Jacoby, the first amendment remains
intact.
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