Free Expression Is For Everyone A Higher Priority All Messages Must Be Allowed A Hearing

Consider one question when deciding whether survivalists should be able to hold a convention in a Spokane public building: As an American, do you believe in the right of free expression?

In theory, the right to free expression represents one of the bedrock, core values of this country.

In practice, free expression means allowing groups you oppose to get together and talk.

The Self-Sufficiency and Preparedness Expo at the Spokane Convention Center last weekend attracted many solid citizens and a handful of people with often distasteful, occasionally inflammatory notions.

But the group wasn’t violent. Everyone bought a ticket to get in.

Most, if not all, were citizens of this free and open country.

Allowing minority groups, whether they be survivalists, nudists or left-handers from Wyoming, to gather and discuss their ideas in public represents the highest and greatest exercise of an open, democratic society.

Today, we often hear voices saying we can eradicate hatred, prejudice or ignorance by forcing it out of the public eye and out of public speech.

We won’t eradicate these evils this way.

In fact, history suggests we should be wary of those who want to force offensive thoughts out of public view.

Many wars have been fought and many lives lost under the banners of political entities, religions, or movements supposedly acting for the good of all against the evils of unholy, improper thoughts, words and deeds. The Crusades come to mind. Nazi Germany comes to mind. So do the Hutus of Rwanda.

Freedom of expression is a powerful alternative to trying to stamp out thoughts, ideas and gatherings we find disagreeable.

A pluralism of ideas requires people of all attitudes to defend their beliefs.

If an idea is indefensible, it will not flourish.

So, let the survivalists gather. Consider their beliefs.

If you disagree with the words and exhibits, publicly express your disagreement. This is what the Rev. Happy Watkins did. He challenged the ideas of hatred and separateness by going to the same site and speaking different words.

His message likely will prevail, but only if it is heard in an open society where freedom of expression is allowed to flourish.

, DataTimes MEMO: See opposing view under the headline: City shouldn’t abet hate groups

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