Damaging Words

For the past couple weeks, we have been discussing the First Amendment during class. One action the amendment permits is freedom of speech, which goes along perfectly with an article I overcame today in The Minnesota Daily. Written in Madison, Wisconsin, the article “Teacher’s arrest raises free speech issues” addresses one teacher, James Buss, and his opinion of teacher’s salaries. Buss expressed his unruly thoughts on an internet blog site, explaining that ‘teacher salaries made him sick because they are lazy and work only five hours a day. ’ Additionally, the comment that truly displayed his lack of consideration was when he praised the Columbine High School gunmen who killed 12 students and a teacher before killing themselves by saying, “they knew how to deal with the overpaid teacher union thugs. One shot at a time!” He also explained that the two gunmen should be remembered as heroes. These comments stirred much criticism and dismay, and police took Buss into custody at the Washington County Jail. Now, the Washington County District is attempting to charge Buss with disorderly conduct and unlawful use of computerized communication systems. The question of whether the case will go through is still in the air. According to the First Amendment, Buss has the right to state any opinion he has. Yet, in my opinion, I believe he should be charged in some way or another. As a teacher, Buss should be supporting his co-workers instead of bash them, for everyone’s sake. Not only is it irresponsible for him to be degrading other teachers but it is also unethical for him to be supporting two gunmen who murdered 13 people. Students look up to teachers and his words have caused much damage to his community. Although freedom of speech should continue to be praised and supported, it is quite difficult to do that when someone is verbally backing up one of the most horrible events that has occurred in the United States within the past decade. His words could stem violence; some troubled students may find them encouraging. This is definitely a time when someone should have told him to think before he spoke. The First Amendment should not let this type of situation slide right on by. People need to realize how badly words can affect others.

Interested in more issues raised by the First Amendment? Click the link below!
http://www.gseis.ucla.edu/iclp/freespch.htm