George,

Josh Wheeler's explanation (e-mail January 22) of his thinking regarding erasing comments on the proposed chalkboard is very illuminating. He acknowledges that erasing comments would be "private acts of censorship". But then he goes on to explain that, since government officials are not involved, such private acts of censorship are not prohibited by the First Amendment.

Yes, private censorship (erasing) would be LEGALLY permissible but that is no reason to provide for it. Logic and the principles of free speech should govern the operation of the chalkboard. Censorship is censorship whether it is performed by a government official or a private person. How can free speech coexist with censorship? They are antithetical. To have a chalkboard with erasers would be a monument to antithesis.

David RePass (electronic mail, February 4, 2002)