I grew up in a little town where we were required to learn a little bit about how our country works, the principles on which it was founded, the thoughts behind our founding and the rules they set forth in the beginning. Unfortunately, all too many folks do not know or understand something as simple as our BILL OF RIGHTS.
Simply put, Certain constraints are put on those who wish to govern. In addition, certain ‘rights’ (protections) are granted to everyone to insure that our government will not be too intrusive or annoying.
The importance of this became clear recently when a local ‘mob’ wanted to tar and feather a few Cal Poly students for their tasteless and tacky Halloween display. Under normal circumstances, Cal Poly — I believe — would have acted inappropriately and illegally towards these young people. As a rule, Cal Poly has a history of ‘washing their hands’ before turning folks over to any assembled mob.
So, feeling that Cal Poly was about to make another mistake, I stepped in and wrote the following letter to the editor:
‘Educate the mob’
I don’t normally do this, so I have to congratulate Cal Poly for doing something right. It’s not that I think they wanted to, but it is the law.
Recently, some very self-righteous folks have been lambasting a few Cal Poly folks for flying a rebel flag along with some very tasteless decorations for some sort of Halloween party. I am not supporting what they did, just their right to be tacky and tasteless and their right to offend both you and me.
Cal Poly’s administration has held a hearing on this issue. It was everyone’s opportunity to voice their opinion and exercise their “free speech.”
Although some have advocated expelling the students or some Draconian punishment, the law is quite clear: This is protected “free speech.”
It is my hope that Cal Poly’s President Warren Baker will educate the mob.
Roger Freberg
San Luis Obispo
What happened next was predictable. Cal Poly held their hearing and a legal beagle working at Cal Poly explained to the mob the true meaning of ‘free speech.’ Obviously, if you are coming to see some punishment, you left rather disappointed, but then, you should have known better. Soon, a letter came in today’s paper attacking me personally, their logic was amusing.
Speech a privilege
This is addressed to Roger Freberg (Letters, Nov. 12) and all the abusers of the First Amendment:
Free speech is not free. It is a privilege!
Yes, you can say what you want, but maybe you should not, out of respect for others — and yourself.
There is an expression in another language which says: Swish your tongues 36 times in your mouth before you speak! Translated in English it becomes: Think before you speak or do something that is supposedly covered under the First Amendment.
Dominique Dunn
Avila Beach
Clearly, Dominique doesn’t understand that we are all protected by a BILL of RIGHTS not a Bill of Privileges. The right to speak our minds, the freedom to assemble, a free press ( 1st Amendment), a prohibition against unreasonable search and seizure (4th Amendment) and eight other very important rights that many in our government would like to ignore. For example, although almost any American soldier is welcome in my house, the Bill of Rights prevents the government from forcing me to share my small home (3rd Amendment).
Class is adjourned.
Roger Freberg