Prince William Democrats won’t stand for free speech

Opinion 

In my opinion, Harry Wiggins’ Op-Ed Letter of September 10 misses the issue at hand and badly.

I’ve known Harry on a personal level for many years and I consider him a friend, however his letter is a red herring. James Young’s election as President of the Committee of 100, on a slated ballot for which Harry and many Democrats voted for, is not the issue.

James Young’s positions are and have been widely known for many years prior to his “venomous letter” to which Harry and the Democrats take issue. They should have anticipated this type matter might arise with Mr. Young in that position and should have spoken in opposition to his nomination on that slate.

But Harry knew better that a political opportunity would probably present itself and that as Prince William County Democratic Chair, he could then use that opportunity for the benefit of the Democrats. That’s the hidden issue in the present matter. The real issue Harry disguises is the right to free speech as guaranteed in the 1st Amendment.

I am not defending the words Jim Young used. Not even close.

He is no fan of me either and probably despises the very ground I walk on. But I will defend his right to free speech.

Many years ago I heard someone say words to the effect that “If we want free speech, we have to acknowledge the right of a man whose words make your blood boil, shouting at the top of his lungs words you’d spend a lifetime opposing at the top of your lungs. That folks, is free speech”.

Jim Young’s words made many peoples blood boil. But they were his words, not those of the Committee of 100.

Harry Wiggins admits he forbade all Democrats from speaking at any political event connected with the C-100. In my opinion, the C-100 is the Gold Standard for community discussion in election years.

Harry Wiggins and the Democrats have taken away the right of citizens to hear candidates for public office to hear opposing points of view because they didn’t like the words of James Young. That folks, is not free speech. That folks, is not defending the rights of citizens not concerned with the position of James Young.

It also proves beyond any doubt that all Prince William County Democratic candidates for public office are in fact totally controlled by the Prince William County Democratic Party and will do whatever the Prince William County Democratic Party tells them to do when they are in office. And that folks, is not Democracy.