As the political season kicks into full gear and the 2014 election approaches, I'm constantly reminded of the reality of what Freedom of Speech really means. The disdain for reason and the hellfire of modern political advertising are annoying to the point of distraction. I'm an involved voter but with three weeks to go before the election I've checked out of the mass media part of the system. The LAST place I'm going for my voting information is to advertising. I can't hit the mute button fast enough when one of those ads starts - regardless of the candidate being attacked or supported. Each year it seems to get worse - it may not but it sure seems to.
Just as I reach my peak of frustration with the reality and nastiness of free speech in politics, Brother Ross or one of his minions shows up on campus. When my freshman ask why Brother Ross is allowed to spout such vitriol in the name of Jesus on our campus, I have to explain to them that he is speaking in a public, state-owned area and is guaranteed the freedom to do so. I also explain that the remedy for disagreeable speech is more speech, not less. Rather than placing resctrictions on aggressive evangelists who attack my students ad hominem for every conceiveble sin (I'm not sure why they're in college as they are all going to hell according to the good Brother), the solution in the U.S. is to give him that free speech zone (with appropriate time, place and manner restrictions so he can't just disrupt classes at will) and fight for his right to be just as disagreeable as he wants. Don't like it? Step up and claim your own time on our own "speaker's corner" and let the world know your views on God, or anything else.
I calmly await the cooler weather that fall brings and the end of another agonizingly hateful political season, finger poised on the mute button.
Just as I reach my peak of frustration with the reality and nastiness of free speech in politics, Brother Ross or one of his minions shows up on campus. When my freshman ask why Brother Ross is allowed to spout such vitriol in the name of Jesus on our campus, I have to explain to them that he is speaking in a public, state-owned area and is guaranteed the freedom to do so. I also explain that the remedy for disagreeable speech is more speech, not less. Rather than placing resctrictions on aggressive evangelists who attack my students ad hominem for every conceiveble sin (I'm not sure why they're in college as they are all going to hell according to the good Brother), the solution in the U.S. is to give him that free speech zone (with appropriate time, place and manner restrictions so he can't just disrupt classes at will) and fight for his right to be just as disagreeable as he wants. Don't like it? Step up and claim your own time on our own "speaker's corner" and let the world know your views on God, or anything else.
I calmly await the cooler weather that fall brings and the end of another agonizingly hateful political season, finger poised on the mute button.