Defending the right to unpopular views

By Gazette Editorial Board

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An Iowa State University lecturer's public condemnation of a charity drive for overseas troops has generated considerable blowback from Democrats and Republicans alike.

We disagree with Thomas Walker, who wrote that ISU College Republicans should instead have collected necessities for this country's poor. Both causes are important.

And we were turned off by the acid tone of Walker's letter to the editor, published last week in the ISU student newspaper, in which he called donating toiletries to U.S. soldiers serving in Afghanistan and Iraq a “travesty.”

Above all, we are impressed by the response of student Army ROTC leaders who say they were shocked by the letter but don't want to see Walker disciplined for writing it - hoping instead that the controversy it has ignited marks the beginning of a campuswide dialogue on the issue.

That the group, which includes veterans who served in Iraq and Afghanistan, supports Walker's right to express his views is a testament to their coolheadedness and dedication to the principles of free speech that are critical to open dialogue and debate.

In the letter, Walker - a lecturer in Iowa State University's intensive English and orientation program - argued that soldiers serving in the Middle East already have enough, and scoffed at the students' desire to show their appreciation for overseas military personnel.

“What are they doing for us,” he asked about the troops. “Nothing. But against us they're doing a lot: creating anti-American terrorists in the countries they occupy.”

State Board of Regents and ISU leaders have expressed their offense and disappointment at the letter, and have been quick to say it does not represent the school or governing body's views.

“Not only did Mr. Walker insult our sons and daughters in uniform,” Regent President Pro Tem Bruce Rastetter told the media, “he also questioned the kind and humanitarian efforts made by our students to ensure that our soldiers know we care about them and are exceedingly grateful for their service.”

Agreed. And which also is Walker's right, as ugly or insulting as some may find his views.

We are proud of student leaders for standing up for all our rights to express them.

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