To the editor:

As a fellow registered Republican, I would like to respond to Keith M. Wood. I almost completely agree with his letter “Protect Free Speech.” It was disheartening to see two GOP candidates pressure KU into viewpoint discrimination. My one small disagreement is with Mr. Wood’s claim that Steve Watkins’ comments would suppress speech. His statement, “I’m sorry that a Kansan would deface our symbol of strength, unity, and patriotism. I have no demands of the artist, university administration, or students, other than this — thank a soldier” is wildly different from the shameful calls for censorship offered by Mr. Kobach and Gov. Colyer. By Mr. Wood’s reasoning any good faith criticism by someone in office or seeking office could be seen as chilling speech. Each person’s vote is a matter of his or her own conscience. I do not bear Mr. Wood any ill will for not voting for Mr. Watkins However, I could vote for Mr. Watkins without compunction. Kobach and Colyer, however, have lost mine as well as his.

Conrad Griebel,

Lawrence