Tolerance

* David Myers’ commentary on hate groups (“Take a Hint From Europe and Raise Vigilance Now,” Aug. 13) is scary--almost as scary as the groups themselves. Myers wants the government to take a “more active role.” It’s ironic that Myers hopes to defend tolerance by advocating “zero tolerance” of hate groups. It seems he’s missed the point of tolerance, which is that others’ beliefs do not need our approval.

This does not mean we cannot denounce hate groups. But in a free society, this isn’t done with “the painful step of proscribing hate speech.” A free exchange of ideas requires that the worst ideas be aired with the best, that we might better understand the good and better reject the bad. Myers’ censorship would merely drive hate groups further underground, where their ideas would develop unchallenged by our schools and public discourse.

HANS NOEL

Los Angeles