The final edition?

Imagine the following scenario:

Words, like guns, are hurtful. Because of the effect they sometimes have on innocent people, the government, with the approval of over 60 percent of the people, has decided to license, limit the size of and, in some cases, ban printing presses.

The government argues it is time that people realize how much damage can be done by words that many fling around irresponsibly. Whole races and nations of people can be maligned when there is no limit to what someone can write about and have published. It has been suggested that the control be extended to social media because of how popular bullying has become. We must realize that people are not as thick-skinned as they used to be in days past and they are entitled to the protection the government can give them from hurtful words.

Although there is a document in existence granting freedom of speech, many argue that within the “spirit” of the document there is room for this control. Unfortunately, because of this government action, which of course is being taken with the approval of a majority of the people, this will be the last publication of this newspaper.

If we aren’t careful it may happen.

Don Brockett

Spokane