By now, you would think that Chronicle Publisher Chad Taylor would have learned that when Commissioner Sean Swope or Republican Chair Brandon Svenson come to him in a dither about some dastardly deed, Taylor would know enough to take a deep breath and do some independent research to determine whether what he was being told was true.
The story told by Swope about senior citizens being prevented from praying or discussing politics while enjoying a meal at a Lewis County Senior Centers must have sounded dastardly. So, what would a responsible publisher do after hearing about such an outrage? Assign a reporter to investigate the story? No. Instead, Taylor wrote an inflammatory editorial flaying the Lewis County Seniors Board president for depriving citizens of the right to express their political and religious beliefs. Now that would have been a courageous defense of free speech and religious liberty if only what he was railing against were true.
Unfortunately for the publisher, he had been led astray once again by Commissioner Swope. Neither politics nor religion are banned at Lewis County Senior Centers. What is banned is forcing diners to listen to religious or political speakers addressing all diners from the podium during meals. Seems like a very fair and logical restriction protecting a captive audience. If I go there, I can pray to my heart's content. I can discuss politics with whomever I choose or they can get up and move to another table if they don't want to enjoy my received wisdom. I shouldn't be required to listen to someone else's politics or religion and they certainly should not be required to listen to mine.
But for Swope and company, that right to be free to choose what to hear must be violated. You will listen to the true message whether you like it or not, much like the voice from the speaker on the wall in every home in the prescient novel 1984.
What is really disturbing is the failure of Swope and company to realize that if they can compel people to listen to their views, they may have to endure harangues they don't want to hear. How does that sound? Oops. Big mistake. Don't want that.
So, Mr. Publisher, investigate before you speak. You might learn something and avoid being played for a fool. And to Swope and company, you are not in charge of what I should hear or believe.
Those are rights for which millions have fought and died. It's high time for you to understand this.
John Goodwin
Lewis County
