Gary Nelson: Asking Republicans to pay for Coulter security would silence free speech

Re “Cost of security for last month’s Ann Coulter speech: $65,000” (Front Page, May 27): In the political fray these days, there seems to be nothing but snakes on both sides that will bite anyone who disagrees with them. But it is important to note that the reason local law enforcement agencies thought extra security was necessary for a Republican fundraising event in Modesto was because of the non-Republicans who might violently try to prevent it from occurring.

To Modesto’s credit, it was all unnecessary because the people in this town who are cognizant enough on this issue to have an opinion are also intelligent enough not to act like the nearby university students who are systematically indoctrinated to believe that “tolerance” means tolerating only their own opinions and shouting down the opposition.

The reason the frenzy even happened was because the local media wanted it to. They could have quietly gone about their business, believing what they want and supporting who they want, within the bounds of the law. But there are those for whom the idea of “live and let live” is not good enough. To charge a lawful activity for extra security because of the threat of violence by the opposition would be to silence free speech. Don’t give in.

This story was originally published May 30, 2017 at 2:57 PM with the headline "Gary Nelson: Asking Republicans to pay for Coulter security would silence free speech."