If there's a secret to her success as an advocate, it's that she doesn't take no for an answer for herself and, in her own good-natured way, won't let others do it either. But, of course, she does call. And, more often than not, she persuades them to pitch in. Bobbie's fervent defense of the arts and of the Constitution led her into the streets last month for an orderly demonstration that swelled to over a thousand participants. Her purpose was to remind both sides in the dispute over the play that the First Amendment protects everyone.
Artists have the right to express their views and ideas.
Audiences have the right to see and hear those ideas. Those who disagree with those ideas have the right to protest. And no group has the right to silence any of the others. The real test of our commitment to free speech comes when we are confronted with ideas and words that offend us. If I were an artist and my work were under attack, I would want Bobbie Handman on my side.