[media-credit name=”FC file photo” align=”alignright” width=”220″][/media-credit]This letter to the editor is in response to The Feather Staff’s Jan. 16 article, EDITORIAL: Respecting boundaries of free speech.

Dear Editor,

Your newspaper seems to have a very moderate position in regards to free speech. I agree that our words can have consequences, but I do not agree that we’re responsible for how others respond. People can decide how to respond to words or events. Because of this, I do not perceive Charlie Hebdo as responsible for the tragedy.

What is offensive? Some people find certain things more offensive than others. Because of this, does that mean I should hold my tongue about everything? If that were the case, I would never speak again! Loads of people find Christianity offensive and repulsive. Does that mean we should stop spreading the Word? You will upset people, regardless of what you say or do. Joan Rivers made fun of everyone, and yet she wasn’t shot for her words.

Also, in your article, I noticed you wrote that, “We grow up hearing that every human is entitled to his or her opinion (which is true), but does that mean that every opinion is right? In a land as varied as America, that claim is not possible.” Wait a darn tootin’ moment. Since the Feather believes not every opinion is right, I’m guessing it’s considering its own opinions as right. I would love the Feather to lead me to enlightenment about the truest, purest, and most perfect opinions.

The claim of the American youths’ belief of free speech entitlement is also a broad generalization. I think your argument would be stronger if evidence from outside sources were included. Birth into a nation of rights does not guarantee a population of spoiled brats.

Anyways, that’s all I have to say about that. Anyhoo, I thought your article was insightful and interesting. Thank you for offering an opportunity for deep thinking.

For more opinions, read the Jan. 27 article, Generation neglects the morals of historical legacy.