Views & Opinions — Conservatives must defend free expression

View Online  Views & Opinions Views & Opinions One Key Op-ed  including rights of pro-Palestinian protesters American conservatism is defined by a love of the Constitution, including its First Amendment right to free speech. But where have all the Constitution-loving conservatives gone now that the speech of pro-Palestinian protestors is being shut down? asks Juan P. Villasmil. UPI photo On Friday, Columbia University arrested more than 100 pro-Palestinian campus protestors and dismantled an encampment the students had set up.   "These actions are creating a precedent of safetyism to justify crackdowns on free speech," Villasmil writes. "After all, in the name of promoting order to deter not violence but an 'intimidating environment,' the same framework could be used to shut down virtually any protest about a contentious issue."   Villasmil concedes that many of the protestors' chants are ugly and radical and says that any "harassment and violence should obviously be prosecuted."   But "free expression protects the ugly and radical statements," he says. "It also protects most abstract calls for violence, the use of slurs and advocacy for evil causes."   "The speech of those we disagree with — the speech of those we even hate — is the very speech that our Founding Fathers would invite us to hear."   Read the op-ed at TheHill.com. Welcome to The Hill's Views & Opinions newsletter, it's Tuesday, April 23. I'm Daniel Allott, bringing together a collection of key opinion pieces published from a wide range of voices. Did someone forward you this newsletter? Subscribe here. Other Points of View  Op-eds exploring key issues affecting the U.S. and world: Why 2024 is a lose-lose election By Dennis Powell, strategic management consultant Biden's agenda will continue to transform America without being granted permission by the voters. Trump will be blocked at every turn as he attempts to govern. American civilization, which is arguably in decline, will continue to have its foundations eroded and its institutions debased.  Read Here Trump is using the old O.J. Simpson tactics By Juan Williams, Fox News political analyst Simpson's famous murder trial proved beyond all reasonable doubt that rich and famous people can create a media circus and gum up processes with endless delays. Exhibit A of Simpson's continued power is on display right now in the case of New York v. Donald Trump.  Read Here Ayatollah Khamenei wants to leave a legacy — but it may not be the one he wants By Patrick Drennan, independent journalist Whatever happens in the near future, Ali Khamenei's legacy within and outside Iran is a house of cards. America would be wise to let it collapse on its own.  Read Here 'Civil War' has a stark warning for Washington By Giancarlo Sopo, founder of Visto Media For all the argument about "Civil War," its most profound lesson — one that movie studios will certainly appreciate — is relatively simple: We should tune out the outrage hustlers, put down our phones and spend more time sharing experiences with fellow Americans, like enjoying movies, instead of fighting over politics.  Read Here Quick Takes  Opinions related to pivotal issues and figures in the news: Mike Johnson establishes himself as a titan of Congress with aid package vote Playing a shell game on aid to Ukraine The American people are petrified NPR gives a masterclass on how not to do damage control   You're all caught up. See you next time!  Views expressed by contributors are theirs and not the opinion of The Hill. Interested in submitting an op-ed? Click here.  Check out The Hill's Opinion section online for the latest and take a moment to view our other topical products 📩 Privacy Policy  |  Manage Subscriptions  |  Unsubscribe  1625 K Street NW, 9th Floor, Washington, DC 20006 Copyright © 1998 - 2024 Nexstar Media Inc. | All Rights Reserved.

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