"George,
I posted the following comment on the Washington Posts page. They have a running chat on the chalkboard that can be reached at this address: http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp -dyn/articles/A54718-2001Feb10.html
-Kevin Cox

The most important function of free speech is to protect minority and unpopular viewpoints so that they can be expressed. This blackboard is supposed to be a monument to free speech. It should address this issue rather than thoughtlessly dismissing it with permission to erase. What kind of message does this thing send if it comes with approval to be intolerant of others and censor what one deems 'offensive'? If the Washington Post offends me I cannot throw them all in the river. It amazes me that the Thomas Jefferson Center for the Protection of Free Speech has such a weak view of free expression. Also, accountability is a critical element in our view of free speech. There is no requirement that expressions on the chalkboard be signed. This blackboard is as much about free speech as a bathroom wall is. To make it reflect what our culture, courts, and constitution say free speech is all about it would almost have to have someone there all the time to ensure that messages are not randomly erased or edited and that the authorship is acknowledged. That is very unlikely to happen. I honestly believe that people got caught up in the "fun" of a public blackboard and didn't consider the full implications of the design. I also believe that a majority of people in the area are opposed to it but are unwilling to make their views public. Their silence ensures that it will happen. Still, if it goes up I'll probably write on it. BTW, it will come with a 'post-no-bills' edict! The design is on line and can be found easily by searching for the Thomas Jefferson Center for the Protection of Free Expression (Kevin Cox, electronic email, February 15, 2001).