Looking at free speech as we consider Raygun

Reflect, if you will, on freedom of speech and the power of press as you consider the Olympic performance of Rachel Gunn, who competes under the name of Raygun. I mean, are there laws we should pass? Are there restrictions on free speech that we need? Should the mass media be muzzled, just a little, to protect Raygun?

See, she was laughed at and ridiculed after losing her three battles by a combined score of 54-0. Do we not need to protect her from such mistreatment?

First, let me say I watched a clip from her performance and thought it quite all right.

But, 54-0, embarrassing, right?

Second, let me say that from what I see and read, she was trying to do a little bit of a spoof on the sport; she was trying to come off with a less graceful appearance.

My verdict on free speech and the power of the press? There should be no law shutting people down in their criticism. That doesn't mean what they said was not hurtful. Gunn expressed surprise at the hatred heaped upon her. It was devastating, she said. 

So, what of the press, or as we call it these days, the media, even the mass media? They reported not just the criticism, but the expressions of support. There was a slice of humanity -- a large slice -- that came to her defense. The press printed their comments, and by doing so, reduced the harm that would have been much greater if the media had piled on.

I'm proud of the press. I'm proud it offered voices of defense and support. This is the way a free press is suppose to operate.

And it did.