To the Editor
The 1st Amendment is unconditional when it comes to free speech and freedom of the press. The most disturbing portion of Mr. Woods response is that he thinks I misquoted and I cherry picked one part and ignored his point. The reality is the fact that he questioned the BCN in what was published. The BCN is allowed to have an advertisement run. An advertisement is a paid spot within a newspaper. A letter to the editor is an opinion piece and an advertisement can be an opinion as well. I never questioned your argument of this Holocaust but questioned the fact that you questioned the 1st amendment. You dear sir were the one who asked if there were any limits not I.
In the most recent letter, you state, “Yes, they do. However, they are not allowed to openly lie.” You agree that free speech is for all, yet once again you twist the 1st amendment to suit your fancy. Now you say that the 1st amendment only applies if you tell the truth. In my response to you, I included the 1st amendment to refresh your understanding. It is obvious you do not understand the 1st amendment, for if you did it does not say anything in the 1st about telling the truth. In actuality, lying is outright protected by the 1st amendment and if you like, I can direct you to a few constitutional scholars who will correct you as well. You cannot be charged with a crime in the United States for lying. The founders knew this better than anyone else. This is why when you make a formal statement you take an oath to swear to tell the whole truth. When you take such oath you are expected to tell the truth, but until such time, lying is permissible and protected speech.
In your latest letter, is the fact that you stated you are well versed in our constitution yet it is quite clear you may not be. As you stated, “Freedom of speech is based on the truth” and this is a fallacy on your part. What is of concern is that you state you teach the Constitution in your sophomore curriculum. Your letter suggests to me, by your own words, you teach the constitution based on your interpretation and that sir is extremely dangerous. According to you freedom of speech is based on the truth but why are you teaching untruths about the constitution? This is a valid question to ask now. I would garner you are a great American but I am still left unfortunately questioning your understanding of the constitution. As for your invitation I would like to sit with you and your students and teach what the constitution truly says. I think you and your students would be fascinated from learning what the constitution truly says. To quote James Madison, “The people shall not be deprived or abridged of their right to speak, to write, or to publish their sentiments; and the freedom of the press, as one of the great bulwarks of liberty, shall be inviolable.”
SHAWN JARYNO