When an official attacks the lawful speech rights of a citizen, he opposes his self-interest, in career, in an inflated view of himself, or whatever limited need, against the very liberty of a fellow citizen.
He rationalizes – usually in the most feeble, embarrassing way – that his needs are the needs of all the community.
An American community – a true and well-ordered American community – respects and defends the liberty of every citizen against the selfish transgressions and expediency of others, even if those others are public officials.
Officials in Memphis may not understand this now, but we who exercise these lawful Constitutional rights will not yield them.
Best wishes to the defenders of free speech in Memphis.
John Adams, adams@freewhitewater.com