AFS Cinema
Distinguishing 'Rights' From Privileges
RECEIVED Mon., Aug. 30, 2004
Dear Editor,
Has Louis Black been possessed by a Republican? I must disagree with Mr. Black's assertions about his shortcomings ("Page Two," Aug. 20); not only is he sporting a pair, they are cast-iron and nickel-plated. For the editor of a left-wing rag like the Chronicle, it takes an industrial-strength set of cojones to spew the following conservative rhetoric:
"The First Amendment, when it comes to free speech, does not guarantee you access to media; it does not insist that your voice has to be heard; it compels no publication or broadcaster to offer you a platform. You have no First Amendment right to publish a letter in the Statesman, the Chronicle, or any other publication, and no right to an uncensored, unrestricted cable access show or your own radio program."
Liberals' most blatant failure is their inability to distinguish "rights" from privileges. Overgrown babies like Tim Robbins, Whoopi Goldberg, and the Dixie Chicks shot off their mouths and were forced to deal with the consequences. Then they squealed like stuck pigs and declared themselves "martyrs." This is the direct antithesis of liberalism: all the rights and none of the responsibilities. News flash: It's not George W. Bush's fault you didn't think things through and got dumped by your corporate sponsors or your audience. Climb down off the cross, people; we need the wood for the fire.
Has Louis Black been possessed by a Republican? I must disagree with Mr. Black's assertions about his shortcomings ("Page Two," Aug. 20); not only is he sporting a pair, they are cast-iron and nickel-plated. For the editor of a left-wing rag like the Chronicle, it takes an industrial-strength set of cojones to spew the following conservative rhetoric:
"The First Amendment, when it comes to free speech, does not guarantee you access to media; it does not insist that your voice has to be heard; it compels no publication or broadcaster to offer you a platform. You have no First Amendment right to publish a letter in the Statesman, the Chronicle, or any other publication, and no right to an uncensored, unrestricted cable access show or your own radio program."
Liberals' most blatant failure is their inability to distinguish "rights" from privileges. Overgrown babies like Tim Robbins, Whoopi Goldberg, and the Dixie Chicks shot off their mouths and were forced to deal with the consequences. Then they squealed like stuck pigs and declared themselves "martyrs." This is the direct antithesis of liberalism: all the rights and none of the responsibilities. News flash: It's not George W. Bush's fault you didn't think things through and got dumped by your corporate sponsors or your audience. Climb down off the cross, people; we need the wood for the fire.
Michael Foster
p.s. See you in NYC, Louis; the first round's on me!