Northern Iowan 2009-2010 Staff

I was reading a copy of your paper at my barbers, and noticed the article on "Blasheme Day". As I am a former Marine, I take my free speech rights as serious as anyone. I was shocked to discover how little the organizers knew about Freedom of Speech. The right of freedom of speech only guarantees that the GOVERNMENT cannot deny your right to free speech. As a citizen, if you say something offensive to me, I can either ignore you, or if I chose, assault you for offending me. Yes, I will go to jail, but it will be for assault and battery, not for denying your free speech. As is so often the case these days, because the Constitution, and Bill of Rights is not taught well in school, people do not fully understand it. It is a list of laws for THE GOVERNMENT to follow, not individuals. I as a person cannot violate someones civil rights, I do not have the power, as we are equals, only the GOVERNMENT can deny civil rights. You might want to pass on to your "Blasphemers" that they should respect free speech by using respectful free speech, because some day, they may meet someone who is willing to fight, and die for what they believed in. Too bad all of those kids are over fighting for their country, and for the rights of the blasphemers. Just one old mans opinion.