This is a letter to the editor I am submitting to a local paper:
I want to applaud the Gazette for publishing the names of citizens who are granted a permit to carry concealed weapons. I think, however, the Gazette
needs to expand this service for those in Cedar Rapids who are
concerned with the behaviors of their neighbors. Every individual who
might pose a problem should first be investigated by the government
before they are issued a license or permit to engage in certain actions.
Since religion can be so contentious and harmful to society (for
example, the Crusades; the Inquisition; Jihads), those who are properly
vetted and then granted permits/licenses to establish a church; to
attend worship services in public; to purchase Bibles or other holy
texts; to read and carry such texts in public; and otherwise to
practice their religious beliefs should have their names published in
the Gazette.
Given how harmful offensive or unpopular speech can be, those who are
properly vetted and then granted permits/licenses to speak in public;
to buy books, magazines, music, movies, news programs, Web sites, and
other forms of art and information; to read/use such items in public;
to publish such items (I’m sure the Gazette will proudly print
its own permit/license to publish) and to sell such items to the public
should have their names published in the Gazette.
Given the violence and disruption that can accompany purportedly
peaceful public assemblies of citizens, those who are properly vetted
and then granted permits/licenses by the government for such public
assembly should have their names published in the Gazette.
Citizens who are properly vetted and then granted permits/licenses by
the government to petition the government for redress of grievances
committed by the government should have their names published in the Gazette.
Since law enforcement officials can face personal danger when
fulfilling their duties, citizens who are properly vetted and then
granted permits/licenses by the government so they can be secure in
their persons, houses, papers, and effects against unreasonable
searches and seizures by the government should have their names
published in the Gazette.
Given that many who are charged with crimes withhold necessary
information, those who are properly vetted and then granted
permits/licenses by the government so they do not have to testify
against themselves should have their names published in the Gazette.
Citizens who are properly vetted and then granted permits/licenses by
the government so they can avoid double jeopardy; so they can be obtain
due process from the government; so their private property will not be
seized by the government without proper compensation; so they can have
a swift and impartial trial at the hands of the government; so they can
can informed by the government of what charges the government is making
against them; so they can be tried by a jury; so they do not face
excessive fines nor cruel and unusual punishments; any and all such
people who are granted permits or licenses by the government for these
and similar purposes should have their names published in the Gazette.
Those who... Wait. What? Fundamental, natural rights don’t work this way? Huh. Imagine that...
Edited, published version:
I want to applaud the Gazette for publishing the names of citizens who are granted a permit to carry concealed weapons. I think, however, the Gazette
needs to expand this service for those who are concerned with the
potentially problematic behaviors of their neighbors. Every individual
who might pose a problem should first be investigated by the government
before they are issued a license/permit to engage in certain actions.
Since religion can be so contentious and harmful to society (the
Crusades; Inquisition; Jihads), those who are properly vetted and
granted permits/licenses to establish a church; to attend worship
services; to purchase holy texts; to read/carry such texts in public;
and otherwise to practice their religious beliefs should have their
names published in the Gazette.
Given how harmful some speech can be, those who are properly vetted and
then granted permits/licenses to speak in public; to create or buy
books, magazines, music, movies, use the Internet, etc.; to read/use
such items in public; to publish or sell such items should have their
names published in the Gazette (including the Gazette’s permit).
Given potential problems, citizens who are properly vetted and then
granted permits/licenses by the government to peacefully assemble;
petition the government; avoid unreasonable searches and seizures;
avoid self-incrimination and double jeopardy; obtain due process; have
an impartial jury trial, etc. should have their names published in the Gazette.
Those who... No. Wait. What? Fundamental, natural rights don’t work this way? Huh. Imagine that...
