Vandalism and Free Speech

Several days ago some anti-abortion crosses at the Queen of Angels Church were vandalized. This isn't right, of course, but since abortion is a volatile issue, a display like this is bound to ignite tempers.

It's the same phenomenon with those Saturday anti-war demonstrations near Veterans Park. Most of the people who drive by are honking and waving. But some of them are holding up a middle finger, which is their right.

We have a guarantee of free speech, but people who disagree with you have the same guarantee; and they might tell you, quite bluntly, what they think of your speech.

Personally I've never had a political bumper sticker or even a yard sign with a candidate's name. I admire people who do, but I always figure my house or car will be vandalized by somebody who likes the other candidate.

Again, it wasn't right to vandalize that display at Queen of Angels, but the vandalism can't be surprising, given the strong feelings on the abortion issue.