Celebrate the right to write

Recently hundreds of law enforcement officers assembled in New York, Fort Lauderdale and Houston to protect pro-Palestinian demonstrators carrying posters calling on Jews everywhere to "go back to the ovens." In similar fashion, our priceless First Amendment steadfastly preserves the left-wing media's shameless assault and irreverent impugning of the reputation and family of Gov. Sarah Palin, deeply fearful of her rising star within the conservative movement.

Not surprisingly, some contributors to this space often resort to childish ad hominem carping apparently bent upon stifling and smothering thoughtful discourse in the "arena of ideas."

Voltaire quite courageously declared that, despite his dogged opposition to the words of others, he would "defend to the death" their inherent right to utter same.

Stale saltines, spoiled luncheon meat and occasional cases of sour grapes notwithstanding, this pen will continue to engage in constructive, pointedly frank and painfully honest debate in enthusiastic celebration of our precious freedom, the right to write.

Bring it on.

William G. Parrot

McHenry