Violence isn’t protected by Constitution

To the Editor:

There has been an explosion in threats and acts of domestic terrorism. The fringe elements that make up those who commit these acts of terror are frequently exploited by a continuous wave of right wing media advocating violence, either directly or indirectly, by commentators amplifying the talking points of extremist religious leaders and political leaders.

The fringe is incited on our public airwaves and urged to take matters into their own hands, with the underlying belief that the Bible and/or U.S. Constitution justify using “whatever means” necessary to oppose what they believe to be immoral laws.

We ask you to take a stand against this dangerous trend toward the incitement of lawlessness and violence.

We strongly believe in the First Amendment right of free expression and discourse, even when that expression is abhorrent or not in line with our own beliefs. However, the First Amendment does not protect debate where one side includes the threat or act of violence.

Brent Hopkins

Elmwood, Wis.

Tags: opinion, letters, constitution