Another reader expresses her concern about the Independent’s civility checklist for opinions, arguing that it can constrain free speech.
I respectfully disagree. There are plenty of places where opinions can be expressed without constraint. Many of those are so filled with anger, bullying and hatred that reasonable people avoid them.
I applaud the Independent for providing a platform where people are free to express their opinions, as long as they do so civility, and are encouraged to take the high road. We need more of that, not less.
Joe Smyth is the author of “Fixing America’s Broken Politics.” A former journalist, he’s now retired, and the opinions expressed here are his own. Reader reactions, pro or con, are welcomed at AzOpinions@iniusa.org.
