Thanks to Ron Erskine for alerting Morgan Hill residents to another California treasure, the Eastern Sierra Nevada. It is sad that our Governor and Legislature cannot be inspired by California treasures to make our State golden again.
Frank Crosby, Morgan Hill
Nice speech doesn't need protection, controversial speech does
Dear Editor,
In response to Ms. Edwards's letter in the Aug 25th editorial, let me begin by saying that I disagree with almost everything she said and take gross offense to her calling good hearted Americans "swastika-bearing right-winged anarchists." Clearly she can't think up her own insults and simply reuses those of Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi. The day that someone who exerts his or her freedom of speech is considered an anarchist is the day our country has died. All of this being said, while I don't necessarily agree with Congressman Jerry McNerney's politics, I can also give him credit as being the only Congressman or Senator who has ever written me a personal response to my letters and this, I believe says a lot about his work ethic and the way he respects his office. On the other hand, I believe that he is avoiding town hall meetings and that this is the time that he should be facing his constituents, no matter how far we are from his hometown.
But what I believe you need most Ms. Edwards is a lesson in constitutional law and politics, because clearly you don't get it. What you are actually doing in your letter is arguing against "pure" liberalism because true liberalism is the protection of constitutional freedoms and equality to all persons, yet you are so proud of your representatives hiding from those who oppose them and so anxious to silence those who are only expressing their constitutional right to free speech. The nature of our constitution is to protect us from our own government. I know that sounds silly, but the constitution was written to protect against our government ever getting as strong and abusive as the British Monarchy in the 18th century. All of these freedoms we protect - speech, assembly, petition, religion and arms have as their objective employing a populace that is allowed to speak out against the government and keep it from getting too powerful.
Yet you sit here and scorn those who are using their freedoms. The Constitution is not designed to protect kind speech, because that kind of speech isn't in need of protection. It is designed to protect controversial speech. While I agree that protesters who disrupt meetings to the point where no one can get out a question are being ridiculous although well within their rights, I respect those who go to these meetings and throw the hardball questions at their representatives. I respect those who get angry and raise their voices, because they are using their freedoms. They are bringing change and they are not Nazis! They are Americans! And if you were a true liberal you would realize that their speech is just as protected and respected as your own.
Jonathan A. Brusco, Morgan Hill
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