FREE SPEECH NOT TO BE TAKEN LIGHTLY

 William Cooper is the author of a thoughtful examination of the structure of America, especially our "freedoms." titled "How America Works. . . and Why it Doesn't" It's worth a read in our parlous times. His column carried by a news platform called "The Fulcrum" focuses on Free Speech and the current trends, especially on educational campuses to suppress free speech. We all understand that at times we are hard-pressed to not just scream SHUT UP at what we may consider idiotic and dangerous commentary. This is particularly true today on college and university campuses where threats of riotous behavior have too frequently been successful. One can understand how an administrator, faced either way with budget considerations, might quickly decide to avoid potential confrontation. And we should all remember, if we are talking across a table with an enemy, we aren't shooting or dodging bullets from the opposition.