As a participant in the demonstration that inspired Mr. Wicks to protest the expression of political opinions by young persons (which I am not), I have followed the series of published replies with interest. They have been articulate, thoughtful, and thoroughly American expressions of citizens who cherish the liberty that is our heritage. Mr. Wicks” intransigence in persisting in his authoritarian views is to be regretted, but it seems that even the most carefully reasoned arguments will not prevail with all.
I wish to point out the often overlooked utilities of the freedoms of speech and petition, which I think must have been in the minds of the Founders when they included them in the Bill of Rights. First, by protecting and encouraging full expression of all facts and opinions relating to a given issue, the public and the policy-makers may choose among an ideological buffet for the guidance in the best course of action.
Established ideas, when challenged, may be refined or altered in response, giving society new ways of dealing with political, social, and economic problems as circumstances change. The great weakness of authoritarian systems of government is their reliance on rigid formulas in the face of altered conditions.
The second utility of our freedoms is inherent in the ongoing nature of the American Revolution. By sanctioning full expression of opinion, disaffected people are still included in the political process and are therefore less likely to resort to destructive violence. As long as they have unimpeded access to the press and other public forums, they provide a necessary set of challenges and alternatives to those in power, without posing as a threat to safety.
The frenzy of national unity that followed 911 had the negative consequence of discouraging dissident voices, resulting in an Executive Branch being allowed to run amok with an unwarranted invasion and occupation and infringement of Constitutional rights of citizens, among other abuses. May we always honor and attend the voices of those with whom we disagree, of whatever age, as they may help guide us toward of future of greater security and justice.
Steve Harness
Upper Lake
