More on the ‘Buycott’

In Robert Foxworth’s Counterpunch article, “Matching Wildmon’s Boycott With a ‘Buycott’ ” (June 3), he speaks of the importance and value of people having access to ideas and images. But are all ideas equally worth dissemination and accessibility?

I think that what is printed, pictured or otherwise portrayed should better society, be conducive to the common good. Evil presented as accepted, even respected, has no place in the world of entertainment or in any area of education, informal or formal.

Most cries against violations of freedom of expression are actually cries against its license--excessive freedom. Our society has already determined that our precious freedom of speech does not warrant libeling another, nor committing treason against one’s country, nor refusing to keep one’s contractual agreements, nor shouting “Fire!” in a crowded theater.

Second, Foxworth says, “Someone once said that the power of choices nourishes the roots of democracy.” But, as with excessive freedom of speech, are we allowed to make any and all choices? Society has long held certain choices to be unacceptable.

The “rights” Foxworth speaks of are not rights at all, and they are far from inalienable.

AGNES LOUISE PAULUS

Fond du Lac, Wisc.