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The ACLU (as in "Without ACLU") claims that the LDS Church is suppressing
the first amendment right of free speech by dictating what can and cannot
be done in the area of a reflecting pool they are building in downtown Salt
Lake City. The right of free speech means that the government cannot
prevent you from saying what you want. This concept has been distorted beyond reason and sensibility. Now people believe that, not only do they have the right to express themselves, they also believe that others must furnish the forum. Ronald Reagan once said, (paraphrased) "I defend your right to freedom of speech, but I don't have to buy you the typewriter." Here is another way of putting it: "You are welcome in my house but when you crap on my rug, I will ask you to leave." Just because we have an opinion does not mean that others are entitled to it. It is just common sense. Why should I pay for the means by which you can say (or do) things that offend me? If we are in a public place and I am within earshot, as a member of the public, I have the right to be tolerant. I have the right to complain or give an opposing view. I also have the right to leave. But when I go to a private place, even if it is open to the public, I have an obligation to respect and obey the rules. Come on, people. Get ACLU. |