James B. Schaefer’s Feb. 19 letter “Offended by cartoon’s implication,” refers to a comic titled “Bizarro.” I trust that in his “30-plus years” as an educator he had the opportunity to teach his students American history, the Constitution, the Bill of Rights, etc. The first Bill of Rights is freedom of the press/freedom of speech/freedom of religion. This amendment gives The Columbian the right to publish whatever cartoon they so choose.
I, however, fail to find any constitutional mention in the First Amendment (or any other place in our Constitution) about being offended by what a newspaper publishes. A person is free to read it or not. You can “choose” not to subscribe.
In the U.S.A., we have many free choices. You are free to be offended. You are not, however, allowed to dictate what someone publishes or says just because you are slighted.
I do respect Schaefer’s freedom to choose which car he drives.
How many countries can you name that have all these freedoms?
Gary Montgomery
Vancouver
