LETTER FROM THE EDITOR: Using First Amendment rights responsibly...

I’m generally a fan of the First Amendment.  

I like people speaking out whether I agree with them or not. I especially like when someone has a solid enough argument for their viewpoint that it shifts my own a bit. I’m a fan of free speech and using it responsibly to contribute to the conversations about issues the community, state, nation and world are having about respective issues.  

I’m not a fan of someone just opening their mouth or writing something down to hear themselves talk or troll someone into a conversation.  

That said, I was glad to see the recent protest in Moses Lake wherein area residents expressed their frustrations about Immigration and Customs Enforcement activities and recent actions taken by the Trump Administration in Venezuela. Not because I agree with them – I keep my opinions on those issues to myself and close friends and keep the paper objective – but because people were using their First Amendment rights. 

I will say, though, that I was disappointed when I got to the event to cover it and saw the signage several protesters were walking around with. Laden with F-bombs and other expletives, the signs were simply an irresponsible use of First Amendment rights. People were driving past the protest with their young, just-started-reading-aged children in the car. 

Honestly, it was a challenge getting a photo of the protest that didn’t have a clear cuss word printed on a sign.  

It’s possible to make a point without expletives. Leaders on both sides of the aisle do it every day, though a few of them have their moments as well. 

I’m also disappointed in people who feel the need to lean out of windows and scream profanity at protesters they disagree with. In what way is that useful? I mean, I get that it may be cathartic, but it doesn’t really add to the conversation any more than the “F-bomb ICE” sign does.  

A sign saying, “Abolish ICE” or “ICE was wrong” have the desires of the protester clearly lined out. Having a counterprotest, sending in a letter to the editor (hint, hint) or having a respectful conversation with a protester – it's possible, I’ve seen it – is also more productive. Such actions lead to the Marketplace of Ideas concept that our founding fathers enshrined into the Constitution through the First Amendment.  

I think it’s important that we remember how we behave while protesting or responding to a protest sets an example for our young people. Further, it is a measure of how well we might work together to improve the situation. Swearing at one another doesn’t solve anything and just inflames an already upsetting situation for everyone involved.  

Let’s talk to each other better. Let’s set down our anger and have adult conversations. Our community, county, state, nation and our children deserve better behavior from us. 

In appreciation of those who speak responsibly. 

R. Hans “Rob” Miller
Managing Editor
Columbia Basin Herald
Basin Business Journal