Freedom of speech shouldn't mean violence

We are being inundated with every form of communication available in our society. You know that is true because you are reading this. Along with the meaningful information we receive misinformation, twisted information, incorrectly quoted information and outright lies with a great deal of regularity. But, that is the price that comes with our Freedom of Speech. The use and abuse of our freedom to openly express ourselves seems to be one of the key ingredients in our quest to get people's attention. Too frequently one person's means of expressing themselves can be tragic to others with no real gain to either side.

As a nation, we try to hear, and honor, all views on a topic whether the subject is political, or religious, or based on ethnic values. That was the foundation that we started upon and provided for the basis of our Constitution's First Amendment and all of our founding documents. Where it has taken us is the topic of this piece in the light of events as I see them today.

When we allow groups to form and take a stand on any issue that is not illegal, we are doing what we have come to accept as our responsibility as Americans. How far we go to allow that group to disrupt the lives of others with opposing views, or no interest at all in the issue, never seems to be addressed. If a group desires to march and goes through the process of organizing and obtains the necessary permits to close a street and march along a designated route that is one thing and that seems acceptable to society. However, if we have an unruly crowd close an area with threats of violence, whether a city park or a heavily traveled street, that is against the law and any means of control on the part of the law enforcement group should be equally as forceful as the unruly crowd starting the situation.

For some reason we, through our elected officials or active groups of civic minded individuals, have allowed the supposed minority group, whatever their motive, to "wag the dog." It can start with questions over the use of the death penalty, or opposing or supporting abortion, or it can be a civil rights issue like the shooting of an unarmed person. Vocal activists seem to gradually wear down those who disagree by using terms like "you are taking away my freedom of expression" or "you are just being a hate monger" or "you don't like me because..." (fill in the blank).

Because the news coverage, such as seen in the event in Alexandria, Va., is so extensive and so frequently covers just the newsworthy issues and then goes on to the next crisis, we miss the real story behind the news. My view is simply that I believe our senses have become dulled to the reality of where our nation is going. Too many people seem content to believe the government is going to make decisions that will change their situations -- until we have a major, newsworthy event like the shooter trying to kill only Republicans. He was a discontent American citizen who apparently didn't believe our leadership was going to correct his problem or even hear his concern.

As a nation, we seem to vacillate between radical extremes. Going from the health care system that existed before Obamacare, to what we are currently under, to a yet to be determined substitute, may have been the right direction at the wrong time or may be the solution to many people's health care needs. It all depends on your personal view. However, when you have any system brought into being by negotiations that too frequently depend on compromise to pass Congress the end result is not necessarily good.

It seems to me we are limited by compromise on too many issues facing society today. Gun control advocates must consider the NRA's powerful lobby. Death penalty issues seem to forever be tied up in the courts over the drugs being used; and, pain and suffering of the criminal is of more importance than the feelings of the family of the deceased. Overlooked in all of this is the fact the national debt mounts daily -- while your and my economic conditions deteriorate.

Unlike the shooter in Alexandria, I supported Donald Trump because I believe we need change while we still have hope left. Did I think he would use his smart phone to try to implement that change? Heavens, NO!

Am I disappointed in his leadership style? Most assuredly, YES!

Is he right or wrong? I don't know. Only time can answer that question.

Part of the hope I have left is that he will wake up to the responsibilities of the office we elected him to fill. So far his choice of staff has indicated he is either a poor judge of political types or is leaning too heavily on the advice of others.

Where he chooses to go with the remainder of his term, we don't know and will have little to no input into directing. One thing I do believe we should expect is simply that law abiding Americans should not have to adjust their lives to the lawbreakers, the criminal element, or gang members' actions. It should not take 20 years of appeals to put a murderer to death nor should we worry about their discomfort if the drugs don't meet their (or their attorney's) expectations. And, we should be able to have friendly baseball games without being shot at because of our political party affiliation. Hopefully Trump and company can and will do something about those kinds of problems.

Law abiding business people should not have their business and property destroyed and looted by lawbreakers who get a slap on their hands. The lack of penalties for being an "illegal alien" in our country set a standard of tolerance for major criminals.

If someone wants to rob me at gunpoint or threaten me with physical harm, I should be free to use a handgun to defend myself without having to go to court. I'm frustrated at where I see America headed and wonder if we will see a meaningful change in direction in my lifetime. We can blame Donald Trump for the condition of our nation but he was not the cause of where we are today. We are just hoping he has an answer.

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Editor's note: Leo Lynch, an award-winning columnist, is a native of Benton County and has deep roots in northwest Arkansas. He is a retired industrial engineer and former Justice of the Peace. He can be contacted at [email protected]. The opinions expressed are those of the author.

Editorial on 07/05/2017