“I disapprove of what you say, but I will defend to the death your right to say it.” These words of English writer Evelyn Hall echo my thoughts on the neo-Nazi rally that occurred in West Allis on Sept. 3. While the vast majority of Wisconsinites probably don’t support the propagation of racist, hateful propaganda, we should all support that we, as a society, have that right to do so.

The Detroit neo-Nazi group intended for the West Allis rally to call attention to incidents that occurred this summer, including the so-called “flash mobs” of young African Americans that occurred at the State Fair on Aug. 4. There was serious doubt about whether the attacks were racially-motivated – a claim which is completely unverifiable. I think one of the counter rally attendees had it right by saying the youths were “a bunch of stupid kids with bad parents.”

Anytime I hear the words “Nazi” and “rally” it brings to mind an infamous free speech case that took place in Skokie, Illinois, in which the United States Supreme Court upheld the right of neo-Nazi’s to assemble. In no way do I support the views of neo-Nazis, but I do support the view of the court: neo-Nazis have a right to speak their views just like anyone else.

We need a system that applies law equally and fairly, which is where a lot of a government’s legitimacy comes from. So if one feels strongly about the right to share beliefs on Governor Scott Walker, then neo-Nazis should have the right to voice their opinions as well. We need a system that doesn’t just pretend to grant freedom to everyone, but actually does.

In the US, we often take free speech for granted, but other countries don’t grant their citizens the kind of rights we’re entitled to here. In fact, in France and many other countries it’s illegal to sell or exhibit Nazi memorabilia. We must acknowledge that other people have different opinions than us, and that there is value in those opposing opinions whether or not we agree with them. The world would be boring and much less intellectually advanced if we all agreed. Furthermore, if we let the government censor neo-Nazis, what’s stopping a Republican government from censoring a Democratic rally or vice versa?

While I dislike the fact that a hateful group rallied in Wisconsin, something great happened there. Thirty neo-Nazis exercised their right to assembly, and a 2,000 person counter-rally exercised theirs. It’s OK that neo-Nazis preach their racist, ignorant agenda because enough people care to outnumber their hateful speech.

Unfavorable speech has helped further important causes tremendously. Civil rights, which weren’t favorable at the time, were established by exercising the First Amendment right to rally and speak. In allowing unwanted speech, like that of the neo-Nazi’s, we also allow progressive speech that will help instigate change and push our society forward. For example, gay rights rallies remind the public that homosexuals are an everyday part of society and that we ought to accept them.

There are several important rights granted to the people, but free speech is by far one of the most important. Supreme Court Justice Oliver Wendell Holmes once wrote that free thought and speech are the most important rights in the Constitution, although he mentioned “not free thought for those who agree with us, but freedom for the thought that we hate.” Free speech allows us to speak our mind, and sometimes groups use that freedom to speak contemptuous words. On the converse, there will always be people who stand against those hate-mongers – thanks to their right to speak freely.

Reggie Young ([email protected]) is a junior majoring in legal studies and Scandinavian studies