SPEECH: The real costs

Surely, I am not the only person who is sick and tired of hearing the term, “FREEDOM OF SPEECH” used to cover up and excuse any and all kinds of crimes. Webster’s Dictionary: “SPEECH: THE ACT OF SPEAKING, EXPRESSION OR COMMUNICATION OF THOUGHTS AND FEELINGS BY SPOKEN WORDS: THAT WHICH IS SPOKEN: UTTERANCE: REMARK: STATEMENT: TALK: CONVERSATION, ETC.”

When protesters and rioters fill the streets with their venom and hatred, that is not “SPEECH.”

When they overturn police cars, tear down and destroy statues, etc., that is not “SPEECH.” That is destruction of public property, and that is a crime punishable by law.

When they bring their knives and guns, and leave bodies lying on the ground, that is not “SPEECH.” That is murder and that is a crime punishable by law.

And when, for political or any other reason, these crimes are covered over or excused by officials and the media, with their loud cries of “FREEDOM OF SPEECH,” that is an absolute disgrace and that should be a crime punishable by law.

Our “FREEDOM OF SPEECH” is one of our precious freedoms protected by our Constitution. It should be held close to our heart and revered; not misused and abused, and thrown around carelessly like an old worn-out dishrag. LOVE IT, RESPECT IT AND PROTECT IT.

JOYCE SODERBERG

Coeur d’Alene