Letter: Freedom of expression requires discretion

Sunday, Feb. 26, 2006 | 8:19 a.m.

Regarding Tom Teepen's Feb. 23 column in the Sun, "Self-censorship walks hand in hand with good judgment":

In the news lately there have been many who have declared an unyielding "for" or an absolute "no" on the issue of the Danish cartoons that severely offended those of Islamic faith. Mr. Teepen's view on this matter was appreciated.

While I generally believe that "a person's freedom to swing their arm stops where my nose begins," sometimes I have to "duck." On the other hand, I have to exercise some discretion when I swing my own arm. True freedom of expression requires discretion.

Isn't it great to live in a society where we have the ability, right and obligation to use our human reasoning powers in these matters, even if sometime the outcomes could be better?

M.C. Mills, Las Vegas

archive