This letter is in response to Ms. Erin Blasdel’s letter “Protect my freedom from religion” (Sept. 27).

So there I was walking to class on Wednesday afternoon when I see a crowd gathered outside the Hub. Being of a generally curious nature, I had to check out what was going on. As I got closer I saw a man at the center of all the commotion. I heard him “yelling” something, so I moved in for a closer look.

That was when it dawned on me that this very nature was extremely offending, I couldn’t believe it, he was PREACHING!

Can you believe that? A man demonstrating his right to free speech and freedom of religion! My friend, you want to talk about contradiction, well here we go. When you happened upon this event, I don’t know about you but I was bound and gagged and forced to listen to “the gospel of the Lord.” Who forced you to listen?

Who forced you to turn down your radio and save your soul? No one. Nobody forced you to do any of it.

Iowa State University promotes diversity because it is something we can all learn a great deal from.

I sat down and attempted to listen to this man so I could learn something new and increase my knowledge of religion so I could better understand it. I sat for about two minutes and then got up and left.

Why? Because this man’s “yelling” was so disruptive and obnoxious that I couldn’t hear him from a distance of 15 feet. Open up YOUR mind and learn something, you ignorant bloat.

The bottom line here is that it doesn’t matter what you believe because if that is the only thing you have or will ever allow yourself to hear of than how do you know that you’re right.

In my opinion, that of a doubting Christian’s, I think that you are definitely scared of learning of other beliefs because of a fear that you’re wrong and that you may have always been wrong.

Also, look these people in the eyes and you might find they are the same as you and me just with stronger beliefs. Contradiction doesn’t exist in the evangelists voice; contradiction lies squarely on your definition of diversity and your oh-so-young-mind. If you find this demonstration of free speech offensive than you might as well pack your bags and get ready to go home.

This is college, frosh. You need to realize, Erin Blasdel, that all of your freedoms depend on upholding the freedoms of those whose opinions offend you the most.

Joe Lording

Sophomore

Pre-business