Redgrave’s Rights
Harvard law professor Alan M. Dershowitz, in his Feb. 24 Opinion Section commentary, defends Vanessa Redgrave’s right to perform as an “artist” regardless of her political views (about the Mideast). He refers specifically to the Boston Symphony Orchestra cancellation of a performance in which Redgrave was to be narrator.
Dershowitz fails to appreciate that those who consider Redgrave’s (pro-PLO) views both repulsive and obnoxious also have rights--including the right to attend a concert for which they have paid without having to listen to an individual with such views.
It is time that the Foundation for the Arts and the ACLU and other groups learn that the First Amendment protects freedom of speech and of the press; it does not require anyone to support art or persons they consider prejudiced or just plain obnoxious.
SAMUEL KESTNBAUM
Newport Beach
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