Essay Database

In a Texas City Sun column that ran shortly after the 9/11 terrorist attacks, 23-year-old reporter Tom Gutting wrote a particularly harsh criticism of President Bush and his leadership skills. Shortly afterward, Gutting was fired, and the editor and publisher of the paper ran a front-page apology for the column. Where does the right to free speech begin and end? In light of the horrific events of Sept. 11, does any American have the right to criticize …

…unbiased and respectful nature, not to spout angry insults. One has every right to express his or her opinions about anything, even in a time of national crisis. However, Mr. Gutting was not fired for doing that. He was let go for the disrespectful, childish and petulant tone in which he wrote his editorial, not to mention his lack of proof and facts. Everyone has the freedom of speech, and his freedom was not violated.