Provocation: Recently we have seen motorcycle gangs shoot up a quiet neighborhood in Waco Texas and two young Muslims killed by the police while trying to disrupt with violence a group of cartoonist gathered to provoke a response by their encouragement to criticize the Mohamed. The media feigned their “shock and horror” that occurred, pretending to be outraged while enjoying the bump in their ratings. I support the right to free speech and the right to offend but I that does not translate into open provocation. We should try to be a civil society and respect the values and sensitivities of others who may not share our values. Surely we can protect our freedoms without provoking hostilities under the guise of free speech. Our Constitution will be and is protected by an extremely wise and reflective judicial system. Let’s not be foolish or reckless with something so valuable.
Sarasota Bay
