So, Phyllis came. In fact, I'd venture to say that Phyllis' speech last night to a packed house, her mere presence on campus was one of the best events to happen at Whitman College in a long time. The simple truth is that her appearance at our small liberal arts college taught a lesson to us all. The event legitimized the notion that Whitman should be a freemarket of ideasthat even a conservative has the right to free speech. The hypocrisy of this outrage concerned me.
Freedom of speech applies to everyone, including conservatives.
How ever, logic prevailed, and Phyllis was allowed to speak. It would be irrational and illogical for anyone to think that one person's views are exactly similar to any other person's. But Phyllis did bring up some good issues. Her view that parents should have greater control over their child's education is extremely valid. Her stance that overarching government bureaucracy and control in people's lives limits individual freedom and enterprise is on par with the values this country was founded upon.