Street Preachers and Their Freedom of Speech
Street preachers are gospel evangelists who usually deliver open-air sermons at strategic points in various public places across the United States. In his article dated January 15, 2009, “Campus Preachers a Necessary Evil,” Matthew Ruckman highlights the ordeal that students in campuses experience because of street preachers. The latter have mastered the art of condemning learners as sinners by calling them names and expecting no reaction, hiding behind “exercising their freedom of speech.” Thus, Ruckman apparently accepts that society cannot stand up to street preachers. Although irked by their words of damnation, he believes that students should not oppose preachers, but instead, should respect their freedom of speech. The author strives to demonstrate his perspective through a sequence of reasons and arguments; however, while he attempts to be logical, the overall result is confusing. Essentially, Ruckman thinks that street preachers have a right to be heard. Hence, trying to prevent them from expressing their opinions about their target communities infringes their rights.
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The author considers society powerless to counter the rudeness of street preachers, suggesting that their constitutional privileges be respected. Arguing thus, Ruckman however misses the meaning behind freedom of speech: if I let you express your opinion, you must be ready to hear mine too. In as much as street preachers are determined to influence students into leading “righteous lives,” they must be prepared for meaningful and sensible discussion as