‘Venom’ Suppression May Lead To Exclusion

To the Reader’s Forum:

I agree with Barbara Bumsted in her July 30th Letter to the Editor when she said that The Post-Journal does a good job of printing editorial columns of many differing opinions.

However, explicit in our right to freedom of speech is the freedom to choose what to read or not read. I fear that to suppress the “venom” may lead to exclusion of all opinions. A good writer causes the reader to think, and to engage in intellectual debate and fact research when opinions differ. I believe it is the unique privilege and responsibility of the press to protect this exchange of ideas, beliefs, and opinions called freedom of speech.

There is much I read that I disagree with, but I’m thankful it’s printed so that the choice of what to read is still mine to make.

Ruth Marsh

Bemus Point