The Constitution gives each person the right to speak freely their viewpoint without fear of government interference. Though we place some limitations on that speech, the ability to speak on political topics is generally protected above all others. Justice William Brennan said in Texas v. Johnson that "If there is a bedrock principle of the First Amendment, it is that the government may not prohibit the expression of an idea simply because society finds the idea itself offensive or disagreeable"

I am of the opinion that blogs in general and my blog in particular serve as free speech zones where I may speak and receive responses, and individuals may engage in civil discourse that is logical, reasonable, and factual. I blog about many controversial issues and I do so expecting and welcoming comments in response. I enjoy a good debate, as the points made by those who disagree with me help make my arguments better, and I hope my arguments help make theirs better.

But what I cannot permit is personal attacks by anyone who reads and comments here. I expect that discourse here will be of a higher level, one that is dignified and among friends - my friends. While I treat this blog a a free speech zone, I know that it is exceptionally easy for written word to spiral into deep, hurtful insult, much faster than spoken word has the ability to do so, and when such personal and deeply held beliefs are involved, it becomes that much more difficult. Written words have started wars, begin revolutions, led to interviews at Weehawken, and destroyed friendships.

When I built the code for this blog, I included two functions: the first to bar comments on specific entries and the second to bar specific individuals from commenting without approval, or from commenting altogether. Thus far I have not used the first feature, and the second has been used only twice. It would be a terrible day where I would have to use either to control a debate spiraling wildly downward, and I implore my readers to carefully consider the comments they post.

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The world will little note, nor long remember what we say here, but it can never forget what they did here." ~ Gettysburg Address, Abraham Lincoln, November 18th, 1863

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