Letter: Freedom of speech vs. misogynistic musings

To the editor:

From time to time, it is easy to take for granted the tremendous liberties and opportunities provided to all of us by virtue of the First Amendment. Freedom of speech is a privilege for us Americans unlike any other, a privilege that has withstood numerous attempts throughout our nation’s history to prevent, restrict or infringe upon the exercise thereof. From the arguments made by our founding fathers to women’s fight for the right to vote, to the civil rights movement and beyond, we as a nation have demanded to have our voices heard on so many important issues, and we are better for the discourse that has emerged.

It is also important to hear voices and arguments that run contrary to our own opinions, so that we may learn from people who hold beliefs different than ours, and perhaps find common ground with those who might oppose us due to serious philosophical differences and other substantive objections.  

Sometimes though, it is equally important to find out which of your neighbors is simply a misogynistic, sexist imbecile who hearkens back to a time that was in all likelihood not nearly as good as he may remember, but simply must have been better than what he sees on the mean streets of Barrington as he sits back and judges those who live a life contrary to his expectations. So for that, dear editors, we thank you for bringing to our attention the musings of one Alan Sorrentino. 

I believe I now know who William Shakespeare was referring to when he wrote in Macbeth, “Life ... is a tale told by an idiot, full of sound and fury, signifying nothing.”

Truer words, as they say, have never been more spoke.

Sincerely yours,

Joshua Berlinsky

Barrington