There are two seemingly unrelated events — Israel’s war on Gaza and the killing of Charlie Kirk — that prompt me to write this letter. The charge of antisemitism is used to stifle characterizing Israel’s war on the Palestinians as genocide. The call to end the Israeli war and bring home the hostages is proclaimed as siding with Hamas.
In a similar way, any criticism of Charlie Kirk’s ultraright positions is seen as condoning his death and it is used to silence thoughtful critics of his reactionary message.
This sort of censorship we see from the Trump administration is now being used to shut-up Jimmy Kimmel, sue The New York Times and pull funding from NPR. These tactics are dangerous.
The freewheeling discussion of ideas is essential to a healthy democracy — and that includes criticizing the political positions and actions of others with whom we disagree. It is more necessary now than ever to protect the right to free speech.
Chris Smith, Seattle
