The Writers Voice
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Bucho Examines Free Speech On The Writers Voice
by
David Rothman
I do not want to mislead you, so at the beginning, before I go on, I must tell
you I am a dog. Correct, a four legged creature that barks. Man’s best friend. I
am a white mutt, the offspring of a German Shepard mother and of a
who-knows-what father.
As I lie here on the floor, flat on my belly with my legs spread out, I look
like a furry rug, a dead animal with nothing to say. Well, if it was not for my
good friend, Dave, you would never know I have a lot to say. Dave can read my
mind, and he agreed to write this narrative, which I brain-waved to him. (More
about brain waves shortly.)
During the last few weeks, Dave has spent a lot of time on the internet,
visiting the Writers Voice website, where he discussed freedom of speech with
Eshan, Clive, Paul, Marlicia and Uzma, Harry and Dave got so wound up in the
topic on the Global Reasoning and Free For All forums that he could not stop
thinking about it, and when I saw how absorbed he had become, I too wanted to
get involved.
You probably think that a dog would not have understood what those bright,
intelligent people at the Voice talked about. Well don’t underestimate the
ability of a dog. Just because I can’t talk, read or write doesn’t mean I’m
stupid. I have a brain, don’t I?
Dave and I communicate with each other telepathically, our minds connect like
two computers through a wireless connection. Well, not exactly, but that’s as
close as I can come to telling you how we talk to each other. Brain waves are
not the same as radio waves, and it is beyond my power (and Dave’s) to explain
precisely how Dave’s and my thoughts travel between our minds. When I’m in the
room connected to Dave and he is on his computer, hooked to the internet, he
brain waves me everything he reads and writes.
You might wonder what is contained in the brain waves that go back and forth
between Dave and me. Not words. I don’t understand words. All I can say is we
tap into each other’s minds and understand each other perfectly. We’re sort of
like two people on the same wavelength who understand each other perfectly
without speaking. Dave told me he and his wife sometimes understand each other
like that.
Oh, by the way, I think you should meet Dave. After all, he is writing this — I
should say wrote this — and I cannot actually check what he writes. You see, I
do not understand what he writes, I understand only what he tells me by way of
those waves, and for all we know he could be telling you a pack of lies, not
what I am telling him to write. Don’t worry, Dave is an honest guy and would
never lie . . . would you Dave?
Absolutely not. Hello, I’m writing this little piece for my faithful friend
Bucho. Bucho observed me more closely than usual while I was glued to my
computer, discussing the Freedom of Speech issue on the Writers Voice last week.
As he lay near me in my den while I engaged in the conversations on the Writers
Voice, he tapped into my mind. Because he became so interested and wanted to
participate in the discussion, I agreed to tell the group what was on his mind.
Bucho doesn’t see things the same way I do and sometimes I don’t understand
exactly what he means, but to the best of my ability I am writing what he wants
to say, and fre—
Thanks, Dave. Freedom of speech is a very complicated issue, as I can tell from
the discussion between Ehsan, Clive, Paul, Marlicia, Uzma, Harry and you. Since
we dogs do not communicate with words or symbols I do not completely understand
the examples provided by each of you. For example, it is impossible for me to
understand how words can stir up feelings in people.
However, it seems that you all agree about some things: free speech is important
if people are to find truth and understanding (two more concepts that I am
trying to understand); people must be allowed to exchange ideas freely in
discussing politics, art, and other topics; there should be restrictions when children are involved. You also agree there are times when individuals should
watch what they say so they do not offend other people or cause a crowd to
panic.
From what I can see, the only place you have a lot of disagreement between you
is when free speech as it relates to religion is discussed. Some say religion
and God should not even be questioned or discussed. Others argue that you have
to be extra careful with what you say when religion is involved. Still others
think the only way for people to understand each other is to discuss religion
freely because religion touches everybody in society even if they do not believe
in it.. Religion is another concept I do not understand, since we dogs do not
have faith or religion, or believe in God.
I will not take sides on the issue of free speech, since you all made such good
points. I do suggest that you continue in the area where you disagree: freedom
of speech as it relates to religion. I do enjoy lying here on the floor while
Dave brain waves your discussions to me.
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