Wresting Hate Speech From Free Speech
Jonathan Turley, who states that cross-burning, although an outrage, is a form of free speech, would do well to teach his constitutional law students about another amendment to the U.S. Constitution (Commentary, Sept. 2). That would be the 14th Amendment and its equal protection clause.
When will certain “scholars” understand that hate speech is not free speech in that its intent and effect is to deny protection to many people in our society regarding housing, education, jobs, etc., through the use of terror and intimidation?
Joel Smollett Sr.
Canoga Park
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In a moral society, anything that promotes hatred toward any group does not qualify for the privileges of freedom of expression. Turley needs to learn the difference between burning the flag and burning a cross on someone’s lawn. Burning the flag does not advocate the persecution of a group. It is a plea for changing an unacceptable national policy.
Paulette Mansfield
Canoga Park
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