Roy Kiefer: I Fought to Protect American Freedom of Speech
Writer says America is founded on Constitutional rights, including the freedom to speak
Wednesday, January 1, 2003
I have never heard of Laura Whitehorn. Further, I do not know the rationale behind her invitation to speak at Duke, or what group sponsored her, or why.
What I do know, however, is why I served as a Naval officer for two decades -- including multiple combat assignments in Vietnam. I did so to preserve freedom, both overseas and here in the United States. One of the fundamental liberties I sacrificed over twenty years to protect is free speech.
Based on Ms. Whitehorn's actions and her criminal record (as delineated in your e-mail), it is virtually certain I would vehemently disagree with her on almost any public policy issue. Nevertheless, I would also defend her right to free thought and to free expression with every fiber of my being.
After all, I am sure we can concur that America is fundamentally founded on Constitutionally guaranteed individual freedoms for all of our citizens, especially for those with whom we strongly differ. That is what I served and fought for, and I suspect you did too.
Universities -- particularly great ones -- are the ideal venue for unconstrained ideas and unrestricted expression. I hope you will understand that the members of the Duke community -- faculty, students, administrators, staff and alumni -- are smart enough to listen to Ms. Whitehorn and potentially to reject her ideas based on their flawed reasoning.
Sincerely,
Roy Kiefer
Fuqua School Class of 1978
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