This is a printer-friendly version of an article from Zip06.com.

Thank You for the Courage

I write regarding your column in the Jan. 8 edition, “Regarding Firearms Ads in The Sound.” I write to say thank you for your position in the piece. When I first saw the ads, I thought for sure it was a mistake, that some heads would roll, and fully expected the pleading letter of apology in the following print. You surprised me, most certainly.

Let me say that I sympathize with those who have suffered losses because of firearms; my prayers are with them. But as you note, taking one’s perception of offensiveness to its fullest would leave The Sound with little more than the weather and Help Wanted ads—in your words, with “little or nothing to publish.” That is of course as long as what little is published doesn’t offend.

So I stand with you in your effort “to provide a forum for free speech and expression” and thank you for the courage to do so. Far too much of that freedom is being restricted nowadays.

Lorenzo Quijano

Branford