Our freedom of speech and ideas are now in danger

July 30, 2012 Dear Editor, I write about the recent uproar stemming from comments made by Chick Fil-A President Dan Cathy, who said he believes marriage should be only between a man and a woman.
First, I would point out that he was stating only his personal views, not stating a company position, and these same views are shared by Pope Benedict and countless other individuals even, until recently, by President Obama. Have we become such an intolerant society that personal beliefs can no longer be shared in common public discourse? One of our most sacred rights is to be able to express our ideas and opinions openly and without censorship. We will not all agree with each other, but in the United States of America we all have the right to think and believe as we choose. We must first concentrate on ways we can work together to improve our communities, our state and out nation, and not concentrate solely on those differences that may pull us apart. In the end, as one man said, We all inhabit this small planet, we all breathe the same air, we all cherish our childrens future and we are all mortal. If you choose not to visit a particular business, for whatever reason, that is your prerogative. Let us not, however, allow this or any disagreement lead to the loss of those basic inalienable rights passed down to us from the Founding Fathers. Sincerely,

Peter Hurtado Aurora, IL