There are two seemingly unrelated occasions — Israel’s warfare on Gaza and the killing of Charlie Kirk — that immediate me to put in writing this letter. The cost of antisemitism is used to stifle characterizing Israel’s warfare on the Palestinians as genocide. The decision to finish the Israeli warfare and produce residence the hostages is proclaimed as siding with Hamas.
In an identical manner, any criticism of Charlie Kirk’s ultraright positions is seen as condoning his loss of life and it’s used to silence considerate critics of his reactionary message.
This type of censorship we see from the Trump administration is now getting used to shut-up Jimmy Kimmel, sue The New York Occasions and pull funding from NPR. These techniques are harmful.
The freewheeling dialogue of concepts is important to a wholesome democracy — and that features criticizing the political positions and actions of others with whom we disagree. It’s extra vital now than ever to guard the fitting to free speech.
Chris Smith, Seattle
