WG’s Response in the 08-31-08 Vanguard Weekly News to the Glendale News-Press Article Regarding Dr. Richard Espiritu

The outrageous smear of public commentarian 'Dr. Richard Espiritu' in a front-page lead GNP story was a sickening, head in the toilet low point for friends of free speech and open government in Glendale. It's not about the man, but about the public's right to publicly address city government officials without fear of being labeled a bad guy by local pol's and loudly trashed in one of the local Times Community News outlets. The idea is that citizens will only speak freely when they don't fear retaliation from those in positions of power. It is the difference between a Star Chamber inquisition and a real democratic forum where public input is always encouraged--even from those who differ on policy, haven't gone through the proper channels or lack what some would deem the proper credentials. What can the public expect next from the masters of dysfunction in Glendale's political establishment? Instead of just publicly trashing a local cc regular, how about a good old-fashioned tar and feathering or running someone out of town on a rail. Maybe a banishment, shunning or other punishment from the dark ages with the inquisitors in dark hoods to carry out their retribution in secret. This kind of character assassination needs to be rebuked. It's o.k. to speak to those in power even if you're not a perfect person. Even in the extreme, in California all convicted felons have their full voting rights restored when the sentence has been completed. It's a no-brainer, all that is needed in order to speak at the cc meetings is to give one's name--and that's the way it should be. No special qualifications either of character or other prerequisites are required and no loss of privacy should result from exercising a basic constitutional right. In this case, 'Dr. Richard Espiritu' has been pilloried and hung upon a cross of shame in newspaper headlines for following his conscience--and whether we agree or disagree with his positions, we must defend his right to publicly proclaim them without fear of intrusions into his personal privacy. The chilling effect of the shameful 'get Espiritu' article harkens back to times when witches were burned and critics labeled heretics. WG