Welcome to a new, weekly column in which a topic of interest, piece of news, relevant opinion, or general request for feedback is presented. We’ll offer the topic du jour and accompanying question, and you have the opportunity to respond with your thoughts.
Simply fill out the form below. A collection of each week’s responses will appear in the following week’s column, along with a new topic for consideration and feedback. Publisher reserves the right to edit responses for clarity and publish online and/or in our print publications.
Please let us know your thoughts!
This week’s topic is:
1st Amendment Rights vs. Cancel Culture
Freedom of speech is one of the most sacred rights we have as individuals and as a people in these United States. But that doesn’t imply we have to like or agree with what everyone says or, in the case of social media, tweets, messages, etc. all the time. Of course not. That would be preposterous. Opinions matter. History matters. Context matters. When someone takes offense to or disagrees with what another person says, debate ensues. Often though, debates spill into the public eye and such disagreements have led to serious consequences. In severe matters involving professional reputation in the context of public or private industries, individuals have been fired, expelled, or forced to resign from their institutions for saying or tweeting an opinion that counters popular perception.
This is a complex and often case-by-case issue.
Our questions to you:
Should public and private institutions be allowed to fire/expel individuals for their opinions—be them shared via social media or, simply, outspoken?
Has “cancel culture” gone too far and/or is it an infringement on 1A?
Or, is this an “age of enlightenment” in which we’re starting to see the cultural fires of bigotry, racism, sexism, etc. being snuffed out?
Is this a right or left issue OR an everyone issue?
Please share your thoughts by filling out this form.
Last week, we asked you about Reopening Our Economy: Venues & Events and you responded! Here is a sampling of reader responses. To read more, click here.
I am highly supportive of businesses reopening at full capacity as it enables employers, employees, and staff to resume their professional and personal goals. Science remains paramount and ALL should be incentivized to become vaccinated. Thus, I personally believe reopening MD’s economy should be directly tied to MD’s vaccination rate, which Governor Hogan has touted as increasing daily. At this time, I choose to socialize with other vaccinated people and would feel comfortable attending public events (like sporting events, live shows, music events, festivals, etc...) once the majority of the populace is vaccinated. Once the science community affirms that we have reached herd immunity, then I would be personally supportive of the removal of all COVID-19 restrictions currently placed upon our local businesses.
Jake Madore, Annapolis
It is far past time to open the economy, open stores, restaurants, and schools. Yes, protect the fragile folks in the population, but let the rest of us go about our business. This is especially true now as increasing numbers have had the COVID virus, have proven immune/resistant, or been vaccinated. And we can clearly see that there is little difference in hospitalization or infection rates in those areas that are not required to wear the 'damn masks'.
Daryl Hodge, Arnold
There should not be limits on any businesses or events. If people are uncomfortable going, they can opt out. But there are many people who feel comfortable and would love to support local businesses. These opportunities should not be limited!
Alexandra Schott, Annapolis
