Free Speech and Respect

Yesterday afternoon, I took a brief journey and visited the Irvine Spectrum. It is one of the largest open air shopping centers in the country.  It is certainly very profitable for the Irvine Company.  If you do not know the center, it is located in Orange County, California, where the 405 and 5 freeways come together, better known as the “Y.”

The rains stopped and the sun was shining so I thought it was a great opportunity to see people and get a bit of exercise.

While walking around, I ran across this sign posted by the Irvine company and the Irvine spectrum.  Based on what is going on in Orange County these days, the written word is a good lesson for all of us.  It reads on Bold Letters:

“FREE SPEECH ACTIVITY

The views being expressed by the petitioners are not endorsed by the shopping center.  Petitioners are requested to stay within the designated area and respect our customers.”

It reminded me of everything going on with our community.  Free speech and respect.  What a novel concept.  If only everyone respected the right to others when it came to free speech.  Maybe the University as well as any organization holding a conference these days needs to make a sign like this and hang it out in front of guest lectures.  I thought we were beyond that.