By Edwin Cooney
Early last week, a USC valedictorian was denied the right to speak at her upcoming graduation. A Muslim from Southwest Asia, this obviously brilliant young lady was expected to express pro-Palestinian sympathies in her address. Apparently, pro-Jewish students belonging to a group call “Trojans for Israel” effectively convinced the “powers that be” at USC that violence might well be the result if pro-Palestinian sentiments were too powerfully expressed during this young lady's remarks.
Of course, we've had too much violence lately here in America as people exercise their right to own guns, counter religious and political beliefs, and advocate for social and political legitimacy both at home and abroad. Even as I write this, word has just come in that a man near the trial of former President Donald Trump set himself afire as a likely advocate for or opponent of Mr. Trump. What you and I believe is legitimately our personal business until — like the fist we might propel toward someone’s nose makes contact with its target — it then becomes far more than private.
In April 2024, American political commentary may contain much circumstantial respect and legitimacy, but in order to be taken constructively, legitimacy must be heard in an atmosphere of acceptance and openness. Our present intolerance for ideas and beliefs counter to our own comfort endanger everyone's liberty especially our individual liberty personal to our natural hopes and dreams.
Ever since I read Thomas Jefferson's first inaugural address which was delivered back on Wednesday, March 4th, 1801, I've appreciated that vital distinction Jefferson expressed that enables democracy to work:
“…bear in mind this sacred principle, that though the will of the majority is in all cases to prevail, that will to be rightful must be reasonable; that the minority possess their equal rights, which equal law must protect, and to violate would be oppression. Let us, then, fellow citizens, unite with one heart and one mind. Let us restore to social intercourse that harmony and affection without which liberty and even life itself are but dreary things… every difference of opinion is not a difference of principle. We have called by different names brethren of the same principle. We are all Republicans, we are all Federalists. If there be any among us who would wish to dissolve this union or to change its republican form, let them stand undisturbed as monuments of the safety with which error of opinion may be tolerated where reason is left free to combat it.”
Although the tranquility of Jefferson's 1801 Inaugural may be noted, such notation doesn't nullify the truth or depths of Jefferson's democratic ideal.
Yes, indeed, this young valedictorian ought to be heard, although it doesn't require that her beliefs necessarily be valid or applicable to the current crisis.
I'm certain that, one way or another, we will ultimately tune into one another's humanity.
That has to happen!
RESPECTFULLY SUBMITTED,
EDWIN COONEY
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