Editorial - 08 Apr 2010
Censorship - The Last Straw of a Political Party in Trouble
T
here's been a resurgence in calls for censorship from the political left as of late. Evidently, this is how they have chosen to address the failings of their political leaders. Witness the recent letter condemning the Baltimore Sun's decision to present a cross-section of opinions on the Opinion page. In that instance, the letter writer seemed to feel that anyone who disagreed with him politically was ignorant, and hence unworthy of being published. A bizarre theory, but there it was in writing. Witness also the recent Sun editorial decrying the fact that Governor (and candidate) Ehrlich hosts a radio call-in show. Even the most partisan staff at the Baltimore Sun must realize that the overwhelmingly liberal print and televised media present a distinct advantage for incumbent Governor O'Malley, just as they were last time. So why would the Sun call for Ehrlich to end his radio talk show, if not for the sole purpose of stifling his ability to communicate with the voters? It's not to obtain any measure of fairness, that's certain.
Censorship in all it's forms has historically proven to be a bad thing, particularly when imposed by a government but also when imposed by private entities. It is, with the possible exception of false claims of racism (also on the rise from the political left lately), the last refuge of those who feel their grip loosening.
Some Sun letter writers have written that the vibrant Town Hall meetings and marches on Washington are evidence that folks on the right feel their nation slipping away. I disagree. Such protests are the fabric of the nation, the principle on which it was founded and the obligation of every American desiring a change in how the government functions. Such protests have always been a part of life, and hopefully always will be. In fact, it's the cries for censorship from the left that are indicative of people who feel their nation slipping away. It is they who fear the voices of the people. It is a profound statement that the left can not win the battle of ideas, and hence their only option is to shut down debate. It is a game-over acknowledgment that the majority of Americans do not agree with their policy issues, and can not be persuaded or convinced via further discussion. It is a temporary measure designed to stop the bleeding, not a long term strategy to improve the job approval of the president or the Congress. It's hitting the pause button on the remote. It's the last straw.
There's no more room for animosity and vile behavior from the current crop of protestors than there was for the despicable behavior of those protesting against the policies of the Bush Administration, but as a country we've learned to ignore and deal with such discontent, not stifle it. Those who believe that opposing ideas are not worthy of consideration should ignore them, not work to censor them. Stifling the open exchange of thoughts and opinions, be it in a newspaper or on a radio, will do nothing to move our nation forward. It's un-American in every sense of the term.
The calls seeking an end to the exchange of ideas must end.
Editor - bethesite.com
