In response to letter writers Fern and Laurence Wayman (‘Atheists in Foxholes,’ Dec. 3 edition of The NEWS) they stated: “We think it is wrong to allow readers... to use letters to the editor for the propagation of their religious beliefs.”
May I point out the almost comical irony which is exposed in their complaint, they have written a letter to the editor to propagate their own beliefs. In this case, their beliefs about free speech. Their pointing finger actually aims at their own nose as they are doing the very thing they are complaining is wrong.
Most people see tolerance as a virtue and show it by allowing others to voice their views whether they agree or not. Whether it is the atheist view to say, “bah-humbug” to Christmas or a believer to proclaim Jesus as the Saviour. Either voice has freedom in this country.
Fortunately we do not live in the Waymans’ world. Calling for the forced silence of those who hold an opposing view highlights intolerance. The Waymans think it is dishonourable for those to publicly give thanks to a higher power on Remembrance Day. I think it is dishonourable to trample on the hard-fought freedoms (such as the freedom of speech, and the freedom of religious belief) that those soldiers paid the ultimate price for.
This type of censorship is a dangerous road to stumble down. I for one welcome the Waymans’ freedom to propagate ideas in the public square, as they do tend to address important issues in our culture, even if I vehemently disagree.
Ironically again, next to the Wayman article, there was an ad for the Bethlehem Walk. Perhaps the Waymans could tolerate some fresh air, a good story, and some hot chocolate.
Chris Martens
Parksville