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The Fayette Citizen-Opinion Page
Wednesday, February 9, 2000
Rocker and free speech: What are we coming to?

I usually do not agree with a word Cal Thomas writes, but I must say he was right on in his Opinion column (Baseball sends Rocker to camp for reeducation). Where, indeed, are the First Amendment advocates? I thought our country was supposed to be famous for free speech.

Opinions are opinions and, in my opinion, everyone is entitled to them. No one thought Rocker was speaking on behalf of the Braves organization. He's an athlete, for crying out loud! Since when do we require a sensitivity check before allowing players to play?

Notice the absence of my disclaimer stating Rocker's views do not reflect my own. It is totally beside the point. The consequences of making unpopular statements should be nothing more than the loss of popularity. We won't elect him President, okay?

But it truly scares me to think I could be suspended from my job for my opinion. The fact that Rocker is high profile and I'm not is also beside the point. If it could happen to him, it could happen to any of us.

What are we creating for ourselves — an environment where all we can say is, “Nice weather. Cute outfit. Lovely flower arrangement”?

Please! Wake us from this ridiculous nightmare and give us back the rights we once thought, as Americans, we could take for granted.

Lucille Bradley
Democrat, Supporter of Clinton, Advocate of Gun Control (no offense)

Fayetteville


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