Wiltonians of all political stripes have gotten involved in the election process, exercising their rights of Free Speech, putting up lawn signs in favor of their respective candidates. Unfortunately, others in our community are opposed to Free Speech, or at least as it relates to Republicans and the McCain * Palin ticket. For they have been taking down the McCain * Palin signs at an alarming rate.
As was recently reported on News 12, illustrated by myriad calls and emails we've received, nationally televised at the convention, etc., Free Speech means different things to different people.
Let's recap just a few:
Wilton - McCain * Palin lawn signs are removed from private property by vandals in substantial number; there are no reported incidents of their Democratic opponents' signs being taken down.
Obama campaign - Armed with contact information and marching orders, Obama supporters plug phone lines, crash servers and intimidate the advertisers of media outlets who host conservative guests; the McCain * Palin campaign has no similar efforts to silence opposing thought.
Republican convention - The militant anti-Republican group, Code Pink, tries to shout down John McCain during his acceptance speech & 200 anti-Republican demonstrators are arrested; the Democratic convention has no incidents of Republican supporters trying to silence Free Speech.
Columbia University - Jim Gilchrist, leader of the Minute Men, is stormed by protestors while trying to give a speech, eventually being escorted from the stage for his own safety; months later the Iranian leader speaks without incident.
The list goes on, but illustrates that Free Speech only applies to certain groups if you agree with their views. If you do not walk their walk, they attempt to silence you. The Democrats and their supporters claim to be the Party of Tolerance & Diversity. Apparently, this includes tolerating those who treat others with intolerance and being diverse in their methods of silencing opposing thought.
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