KIRK: Legacy of free speech

Charlie Kirk had an undeniable constitutional right to freedom of speech, a right that was brutally taken from him in a despicable act of violence. His most enduring legacy was his dedication to expressing his thoughts on various issues. Even though I vehemently disagreed with basically everything he said and worried that his words might incite hurtful actions toward others, I would staunchly defend his right to express those views, just as fervently as I would uphold the Constitution itself.

However, I want to remind those who are currently undermining the First Amendment right to free speech that they are trampling on Charlie’s core legacy. It is unacceptable and illegal to threaten individuals’ lives or safety (see the situation at NIC and elsewhere), fire them from their jobs, expel them from school or discharge them from the military because of their opinions. All people have a First Amendment right to speak their minds, just as Charlie did. If we start punishing individuals for their opinions, we will effectively extinguish freedom of speech in this country for everyone. Those who wish to honor Charlie will, in effect, destroy his legacy if we allow this to happen.

ETHEL STEINMETZ MARMONT

Coeur d’Alene