I have a problem with Chris Krapek’s column “Celebrities are here to entertain.”

Sally Field used her forum to make a statement about something she believes in very strongly. Kanye West used his forum to make a statement about something he believes in very strongly. Marlon Brando did the same thing – and Chris Krapek very definitely did the same thing.

I see very little difference in these cases. Why does Mr. Krapek think that freedom of speech shouldn’t be allowed for celebrities?

He rationalizes it by saying they make these statements in places where they have no relevance; however, Bob Barker is praised for doing that very same thing at the end of every single showing of “The Price is Right.”

“Help control the pet population; have your pet spayed or neutered” is what he would remind us of daily. Why should Chris Krapek get to choose when someone can or cannot say something?

Furthermore, is Mr. Krapek seriously denouncing Sean Penn’s humanitarian efforts in helping Katrina victims? How can you ridicule someone for helping people in one of this country’s darkest hours?

Yes, “there were camera crews galore” in New Orleans at the time. Everyone else who was down there helping must also have just been trying to push their political agendas down America’s collective throat, just like Mr. Penn.

Freedom of speech is what allows Mr. Krapek to use his forum to voice his beliefs and views, and it also allows celebrities to use their forums to voice their beliefs and views.

You can’t split hairs here. Everybody has the right to say what they want, and equally, everybody has the right to not listen.

I disagree with what Chris has written, and he has the right to think I’m an idiot. That’s the beauty of it. If someone is saying something you don’t agree with, turn down the volume, change the channel, plug your ears, walk away, but don’t tell them they can’t say it, Mr. Krapek.

Dave Jennings
NIU assistant track and field coach

All comments are moderated before being published. We will not edit your comments, but we also will not approve those that are abusive, off-topic, attack another poster or contain information we know to be libelous or false.

During peak weekday viewing times, most comments will be reviewed within six hours. For more detailed information, click here.

After submitting your comment, check below for a confirmation message.

• Your name:
• Enter text from image:
  

• Your comment:

* 300-character count. HTML formatting will not display.