Support for freedom of speech should be uniform across the board

By Letter to the Editor on December 4, 2019.

More and more we hear of speakers being shut down, cancelled and generally intimidated by small groups of protesters. We also hear of companies cancelling events, advertising programs and other promotions because of a small group of protesters. These are usually radicals who believe that the content of the events and programs are somehow racist, hateful or politically incorrect.

These people will claim to be exercising their right to free speech while actively taking away the free speech rights of those with whom they disagree. It’s the height of hypocrisy.

These groups also frequently feel that their position is so just and honourable that they are justified in using any form of disruption or even violence and disregard of the law to make their case and achieve their goal. They think they are just a whole lot smarter than anyone else.

In the past, those who participated in this type of protest would have been arrested and charged with causing a disturbance, resisting, assault or some other appropriate crime. Today, it seems some police and politicians are too often either afraid to confront these groups, or are sympathetic with their approach and prepared to support their anarchy. They cower either to avoid confrontation or to tacitly support the protesters.

The rule of law is crucial to all civil societies and without it there is no democracy, mutual respect or freedom.

Last month Don Cherry expressed his opinion about the level of support that recent immigrants to Canada have for Remembrance Day and for the memory of our veterans who served and died for this country. He was vehemently criticized for his remarks and his network and partners quickly issued apologies for him.

How ironic that on the very weekend that we remember those who fought and died for our freedom and our right to free speech we have people apologizing for a man who exercised those very rights. It does not matter whether or not we agree with what Don Cherry said or if we were offended by the remarks. What matters is that we must support his right to his opinion and his right to express it. If we are offended by those remarks, that is our choice and we can either remain silent or offer an alternative opinion. We should not, however, apologize for having or expressing that opinion.

Some only support freedom of speech for those with whom they agree. There are those in society who feel justified in physically blocking or censoring the freedom of others. They are the offenders. They are the ones who are violating the law and should be dealt with accordingly.

Paul McLennan

Medicine Hat

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