The shock is beginning to wear off and people are responding in their own ways to the terrorist attacks that rocked the nation nearly two weeks ago.
While civil liberties are in jeopardy in exchange for greater security, one freedom can and will remain untouched - the freedom of speech.
These attacks have united us, but the decision about how to respond has divided many on this campus.
The cries of "America the beautiful, love it or leave it," in response to those who oppose military retaliation are disturbing and disheartening. We shouldn't forget that such free dissent and critcism of our government embodies all that makes America beautiful.
Now, more than ever before, we need open discussion. People must be allowed to voice their opinions, regardless of how ignorant, sound, repugnant or plain silly those opinions may be.
With all that in mind, no one on this campus who heard about Professor Richard Berthold's remarks the day of the attack can really say he didn't cross the line. Endorsing terrorism and sanctioning murder is appalling, but the idea of limiting his rights to say such things and threatening the University's funding in retaliation for his remarks is just as appalling.
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Berthold has apologized, and having known him for four years, I believe his tears of shame are genuine.
Let's not forget one of the main thing that sets this country apart from the world of terror known by those who perpetrated the Sept. 11 attack on this country - the freedom to speech.
Iliana Lim¢n
Editor in chief
