I'm confused. I was under the impression that liberals valued their right to free speech. I thought they touted open-mindedness as their greatest virtue. So why, when walking past South Dining Hall last week, did I see what had been a chalk comment in support of war with Iraq scribbled through and edited with anti-war propaganda?

This is not a letter addressing the morality of war, but merely calling to attention the need for students to respect each other's opinions. For weeks now the sidewalks have been riddled with chalk denouncing war and pointing fingers at the President. I've had flyers waved in my face and read countless Viewpoint letters presenting the liberal view.

I may not have agreed with your ideas, and I truly did not appreciate your superficial and immature jibes at the President, but I never once questioned your right to speak your mind. I walked past your chalk demonstrations, upset by your accusations and forced to confront your opposing opinions, multiple times a day. But never once did I ever dream of disrespecting your voice or your right to present your ideas.

Open-mindedness does not only apply to the views of the minority. Popular opinions have a right to be expressed. I was proud that for once, the conservative view was expressed.

Liberals may be the minority on campus, but since you have been the only ones talking, you are the only ones being heard. It is a shame you felt so threatened that you had to show such disregard for your peers. I know your chalk additions to the comment only sought to contradict a sentiment on war, but it contradicted much more than that.

Mary Henrick

senior

Pangborn Hall

Nov. 7

• Republicans must avoid extremes in wake of election victories
  
• Anti-war activists should respect others' free speech as well as their own
  
• Irish must remember to win with honor, lose with grace
  
• Support for Rice and the Pope's teachings
  
• What would Democrats do differently?