Reader's View: Publish all letters, even hurtful ones

I am responding to the letter published Nov. 25, headlined, “Should letters that hurt others be published?” I shared the letter’s revulsion at comments made by letter writers who attack gays, those of other religions or race or anyone who doesn’t fit their personal profile. These letter writers do indeed inflict pain on others, which they probably revel in, and I find that reprehensible.
But the letter raised a far more important issue. It asked, “Does the newspaper have a moral obligation to exclude letters … that hurt marginalized populations?” My answer is the newspaper has a moral obligation to not exclude such letters, no matter how hurtful. Our freedom of speech is a sacred right that cannot be abridged even when that speech is repugnant. Besides upholding the First Amendment, publishing such letters exposes those who write them for what they are, and I think that’s useful.
Harry Sarazin
Venice, Fla.
The writer lives in Barnes and spends his winters in Florida.