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Kenneth Maynard of Colorado Springs writes:

Dear Editor, I wanted to say thank you for covering the J. David McSwane story with fairness and balance. I truly believe that Mr. McSwane does indeed have every First Amendment right to say and publish exactly what he wants to, and did, HOWEVER, and here it comes... there is nothing in the Constitution that says you can say (or print) what you want and not be held — gasp — Accountable (everybody run... it’s the A-Word!!). While the Constitution does guarantee that the government can “pass no law” to abridge the freedom of the press, it does not, in any shape or form, state that you can say what you want and not suffer for poor judgement (i.e being fired like a certain CU professor, or being ridiculed in public, etc.). Mr. McSwane’s problem is that he should have known better, and shame on him for abusing his position of authority in such a manner. It is time that we, as a citizen-nation, stop letting certain folks stick their noses out into the air, blurt out anything they like, then run and hide behind the First Amendment. Mr. McSwane has broken no laws and should not suffer any legal action as a result of government interference, but he should absolutely have to answer for and defend his actions... and that may include being fired as a paid representative of the greater CSU staff... I fully support the university’s right to do so if he violated any university policies. We are supposed to be a civilized, educated nation, but actions like his show how low some are willing to slither in order to “make a point.” Sadly, this type of twisting of “First Amendment rights” is rampant today, and it’s tragic that so many think that they can say, print or do whatever they want without being held Accountable— there it is again... the A-Word... get used to it.
“The world is full of willing people, some willing to work, the rest willing to let them.”
(Robert Frost)

This letter has not been edited.

READER COMMENTS

Thank you for your good letter. I am deeply disappointed that the CSU board did not read your letter before deciding to retain Mr. McSwane on the editorial staff. The decision sets a precedent that anything goes.

Anything goes huh. Then F&^*%k CSU and the whole lot of those Fort Collin morons.
Whew, do I feel empowered by my intelletual prowess.

ahh the joys of academia

First amendment, please don't censor my free speech. I thought it timely and in good taste, being that I'm an United States citizen only exercising my rights. Right?

Accountable— there it is again... the A-Word... get used to it.

Actually, no rush. We won't be seeing this word until after January 2009.

Kenneth Maynard, listen up: Ward Churchhill is not fired for his speech; he is fired for plagiarism. W. Bush will not be held accountable; however, he has been rightfully chided. No euphemism or other word would have conveyed the sentiment of the world and the bulk of America's citizenry heart-felt feelings towards him.

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