Feedback: What's next, the public library?

In response to “Orders taken for filth, smut” Soundoff, Jan. 26.

Yes Mr. Starks, this is precisely what our founding fathers meant by the First Amendment, and before you and your “mad as hell and just won’t take it anymore” congregation go marching off to protest in front of this or any other local business, which you don’t happen to be happy with, may I remind you of yet another place here on the island where these exact same words, used in much the same way and in similar paragraphs and sentences exist ... The public library!

Since you’re going to be out and about anyway, why don’t you set up a protest line there too?

Let’s be honest ... if it were left to you and your “mad as hell and just won’t take it anymore” followers, about half the books in our libraries would be labeled filth and/or smut and removed from the shelves as well, right? I know it, you know it and our founding fathers knew it. So you see Mr. Starks, believe it or not, it is you and your “mad as hell and just won’t take it anymore” ilk, that the First Amendment offers the rest of us protection from.

Let’s review the entire amendment to see how it applies today, shall we?

Congress shall make no law:

Respecting and establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof;

This one’s for you sir, as I understand you’re studying to enter the ministry.

Or ... Abridging the freedom of speech;

This one pretty much covers the rest of us against those who would seek to silence us when our beliefs or expressions of speech, disagree with theirs.

Or ... The press;

This one covers the Whidbey News-Times and gives them the right to be or not to be judgmental on this or any other subject.

Or ... The right of the people peaceably to assemble.

This one covers your “mad as hell and won’t take it anymore,” followers, and guarantees they will not be harassed if they’re really crazy enough to form a group to march around in front of a music store.

And ... To petition the government for redress of grievances.

This one offers you the “real” solution to you problems by suggesting that instead of marching around in front of Mr. Willis’ business, you take your grievances to the government.

Hmmm, seems to me that our founding fathers knew precisely what they were doing.

Do I agree with the way that Dave Willis runs his business? Hell no. Would I stand up and fight for his right under this amendment to continue to do so? As a military veteran who in a way already has ... yes, you’re damned right I would.

Bob Afenir lives in Coupeville.

Comment on this story.

COMMENTING RULES: We encourage an open exchange of ideas in our online community, but we ask you to follow our guidelines for respecting community standards. In a nutshell, don't say anything you wouldn't want your mother to read. Please see our FAQ if you have questions or concerns about using Facebook to comment.