FREE SPEECH ISN'T CONFINED TO ZONES

I am writing in response to the story concerning the "free speech zone"
that was posted on Jan. 8.

It is so disturbing to see how our civil liberties are being eroded by this
administration while President Bush proclaims that he is a champion of
freedom. Since when is free speech confined to zones?

These unconstitutional attempts to suppress protesters become even more
disturbing in light of the Homeland Security Department's recommendation
that local police departments view critics of the war on terrorism as
potential terrorists and environmentalists as a threat to national security.

Thank goodness, though, there are still some who still believe in free
speech. Pennsylvania District Judge Shirley Rowe Trkula threw out the
disorderly conduct charge against the steelworker written about in the
story declaring: "I believe this is America."

Whatever happened to "I don't agree with you, but I'll defend to the death
your right to say it?"

JERI SWEENEY

Sevierville