Boycott the Customs House Museum

By Bill Larson | November 17, 2006 |

Until Ned Couch, the executive director of the Customs House Museum resigns, I will not be attending any museum functions, advertising their events, donating any money, or encouraging anyone to patronize their establishment. I strongly encourage my readers to boycott them as well.

It’s the job of the museum to present the arts, not to censor them in the name of community sensibilities. They approved the display, and unless they are totally incompetent, they reviewed each piece before approving the exhibit. Once they gave their approval, they have no right to require suddenly controversial pieces to be removed.

Free speech is an all or nothing proposition. Either all people are equally entitled to free speech or they are not. It’s not something you can pick or choose. People whom you disagree with are just as entitled to protection of their right to free speech as you, or those you agree with, are.

The United States Supreme Court has repeatedly ruled that burning a flag is protected free speech. I am quite sure that printing words on the flag is, most likely deep frying one is as well. While I don’t personally agree with the artist’s actions, I will defend his right to make his statement, using a flag or not. You should as well.

Sections: Issues | 2 Comments