Freedom of speech a right even for the unpopular

After watching the scene in the preacher's corner over the last week, I think see the issues of free speech with a new clarity.

In my mind, I found myself in the ironic position of defending the rights of the zany troop of fundamentalists, despite the fact that I agreed with none of what they said.

Don't they have the right to speak their convictions, just as the rest of us do? At least they have convictions!

Moreover, I think they should be able to do so without the interference I witnessed in the last couple days.

Surely the opposition could mount a better (and more civil) defense than that the bozo who has taken the baton.

Who is that clown, and doesn't he have something better to do?

By A. Gardner
Arizona Daily Wildcat
February 17, 1997