Yes, There Is A Place For Bigotry And Hatred In America

The horrific events in Charlottesville earlier this month have once again touched off national debates about race, free speech, bigotry and relevance of Confederate symbols. A march organized by white nationalist erupted in violent clashes with counter protestors. The clash turned deadly when a vehicle driven by James Alex Fields slammed into a crowd of protestors killing 1 and injuring 19 others. President Trump sparked his latest of what has become monthly controversies when he condemned violence, bigotry and hatred "on many sides". Democrat and Republican politicians rushed to put out statements condemning bigotry and hatred and how it has no place in our country. As soothing as those comments may be, they're wrong.

Many Americans, not least of which our political leaders seemed to have forgotten that little document called the United States Constitution. In this document it guarantees the right of free speech and expression of all ideas, no matter how vile or unpopular-this includes racist and or bigoted ones. It is precisely unpopular speech that the first amendment was designed to protect. The major issue which continues to be overshadowed is the fundamental question: How do we as Americans live with others who represent ideologies we at best disagree with or at worst detest? Through debate and public discourse we can challenge ideas we oppose and halt their expansion through the political process-least we hope to do so. It is illegal to discriminate against anyone on the basis of race, religion, or ethnic origin. However it isn't illegal to hold foolish or wrongheaded beliefs regardless of the underlying motivation.

The notion that confrontation, in particular violent confrontation is necessary to cleanse disagreeable ideas from society is misguided on several levels. Primarily because a disagreeable idea or political position is subjective which would cause most of us to invite confrontation from someone. In other words, we all have ideas and political ideologies that someone else may find reprehensible. Animal rights people consider meat eaters to be immoral. Many Pro lifers consider abortion to be murder. And just about all clear thinking Americans would like to see Nazi's and white supremacist driven into the ocean. Unfortunately the first amendment protects Hitler wannabes-so long as they don't violate the rights of others or cause harm or commit acts of violence. Conversely is also protects them from having their rights infringed upon be it violently or otherwise. You cannot no matter how tempting punch them in the face in spite or any perceived self righteousness.

Political ideologies and speech that we dislike are omnipresent, especially in the age of social media. And we have very limited options in which to deal with them. These ideas are no longer confined to the town hall meeting or the 'letters to the editor' section in your local newspaper. They could soon come marching down your block or city center. Political violence should be treated as the danger it is to our Republic. Meat eaters, Nazi's, socialist, environmentalist and Steeler fans aren't going anywhere (just a joke, I'm from Cleveland) but you get my point. In order to prevent another Charlottesville we must promote constitutionalism which protects the rights of all of us to express our views. It's important to note that a constitutional right to speak doesn't come with a right to be heard-one can choose to walk away from a speech or political views that one deems hateful. Those of us who may disagree with one another should however  be ever vigilant in protecting each others rights to express our disagreements without the threat of violent retribution. There should never be a place for that in America.