Giving in to the Hecklers

For John, BLUF:  We need to support the free speech of those with whom we disagree.  Nothing to see here; just move along.

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Was Haydn a Bigot?  Are You?

From Pajama Media and Commentor Michael Walsh, 13 August 2017.

Here us the lede plus on:

My friend Dennis Prager, the radio talk-show-host, is conducting the Santa Monica Symphony in a Haydn symphony this Wednesday at Disney Hall in downtown Los Angeles, and, of course, his appearance has "drawn fire" and "raised controversy" in the fever swamps of the Left, which is freaking out at the prospect of having a "bigot" on the podium.  Anyone who knows Dennis, or who even listens to his daily radio show on the Salem Network, understands this is codswallop.  Prager is an observant Jew and a man who has spoken and written extensively on the moral issues of our day.  His bona fides as a public intellectual are impeccable.

And yet...

I worry that the lines of descent are being drawn too closely and the heckler's veto is being tolerated more and more.  If we can't explore alternative ideas we will become another toltalitarian nation, be it Communist or Fascist.  If we approach the point where people worry about "not being the first to stop applauding", for fear of drawing attention to themselves, our Democracy will be in serious trouble.  We will become like Soviet Russia or Nazi Germany or Communist China or Kim's Korea.

All the little "Antifas" running around are Fascist in their mentality and approach.  They seem not to realize that no one can survive the lens of history.  There will be no heroes of the past.

Hat tip to the InstaPundit.

Regards  —  Cliff