Newspaper Editorials & Free Speech

I have been asked by several people whether I intended to comment on the editorials in the Fairhaven Neighborhood News and S-T on Thursday and Friday respectively.  I have been debating on whether to weigh in or not; and, if so to what extent. 

What was said at the forum and the responses to the same merit discussion by everyone.   If you don't know of what is exactly being discussed here, I refer you to the editorials of the Fairhaven Neighborhood News and the S-T.  You can find links in Friday's post.

I will not get into great detail.  Suffice it to say the comment in question likens the Fairhaven Wind Turbines development with the medical atrocities committed by the Nazis.

The newspapers have weighed in, heavily.  I am not sure how much I could add.  I fully agree with the sentiments in both papers.  I am not so sure I would have worded my opinion exactly the same way.

To simply "pile on" at this point would be overkill.  To remain totally silent cannot be.

If it takes a post from me for you to determine your position on the issue addressed by the newspapers ... well all I will say is it shouldn't, and I sincerely hope it wouldn't.

Each of us needs to remember that the principal behind free speech is a double edged sword.  When you exercise that right, do not expect your words to go unchallenged or blindly accepted in the name of "free speech".

It may be the right of each of us to express our opinions, but this right does not mean others are required to accept your words without offense.

Do no expect people to accept "anything goes" in the name of free speech; and, be fully prepared for the exercise of free speech from the offended to be directed at you.

No matter how just or noble your cause may be, there are limits, which when exceeded exact a toll.  The most significant aspect of that toll is the erosion of credibility.  

There are certain tactics being used right now to which I find eerie comparisons to the tactics used by insidious groups throughout history.  Comparisons which I have avoided making, despite the fact I know using them would certainly generate great interest, would easily be recognizable, but would cross a certain threshold separating legitimate discourse from self-serving and incendiary oratory. 

Whether that threshold has been crossed in this particular instance by the statements in question, each of you will have to decide on your own.

Read the editorials, watch the presentation referenced in those editorials, and decide.  

NOTE:  Below is the rebroadcast schedule for the Turbine Forum held on January 26, 2012.  

Fairhaven Cable Channel 18.

Wind Turbine Forum Airing

Sunday at 7 p.m.

Monday & Tuesday at 9:30 p.m.

Wednesday at 7 p.m.

Thursday at 11 p.m.

Friday & Saturday at 4:30 p.m.