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“I do not agree with what you have to say, but I’ll defend to the death your right to say it.”
This quote – attributed to the French writer Voltaire but more likely a biographer’s summary of his views – was uttered often in the 1960s, a time of immense societal change in the U.S. In a way, it is a personal First Amendment, a declaration that not only is freedom of speech worth supporting, it’s worth dying for.
Today, more and more people seem to be of the opinion, “I do not agree with what you have to say. Shut up or I’ll kill you!”
As cable talk shows and talk radio widen the political divide and bloggers viciously make personal attacks against anyone they disagree with, I fear that too many Americans are increasingly seeking out only the voices with which they agree.
Recently, I’ve received e-mails from conservative readers who question why we print the column of Eugene Robinson and liberals who question why we would publish John Stossel or Michelle Malkin. The answer is that on our editorial and opinion pages, we strive to present a wide range of views, a marketplace of ideas, if you will. And we publish letters taking issue – or perhaps agreeing – with the content of those columns.
Like many candidates on the cusp of leaving office, Paula Hughes cited several accomplishments in her seven years on the Allen County Council. Unlike many other candidates, those she announced were truly exceptional achievements.
Indeed, the turnaround in the council’s approach, demeanor, power and professionalism since Hughes and two other political newcomers were elected in 2002 is remarkable. Most significantly, they ended the “sky is falling” mentality that long pervaded the County Council meetings, when council members bemoaned the lack of money. Instead, they developed a methodological approach to developing an annual budget, eliminating the county’s debt to the state and even building up a surplus rainy-day fund.
As one of seven council members, Hughes could not do it herself, but she was a key leader in changing how the council does business.
Having already announced her interest in running for mayor in 2011, Hughes was right to say last week she was not going to run for re-election to the council in 2010. Running for an office knowing full well that she would do everything in her power to leave it after one year serves voters poorly. That could have hurt her at the polls – and a loss for re-election would greatly damage her prospects in the mayoral race.
Look for other Republicans to seek the mayor’s seat, but Hughes has the jump.
