The Experience staff is a firm believer in the First Amendment, the right of the press, of free speech, the right to peacefully assemble and the freedom of religion. We support and encourage public dialogue especially when it pertains to controversial social issues. Controversy should lead to conversation and ultimately acceptance of each other. The free exchange of ideas generates new thought that allows for growth, understanding and respect for points of view that we, as individuals, may not necessarily believe or agree with.

We hope to be that platform for such ideas to be expressed freely without fear or ridicule and to carry the conversations that act as catalysts for change. Freedom of speech is a powerful tool and should be exercised with responsibility and respect. We do ask those who wish to write the Experience to limit letters to 300 to 400 words.

If you would like to submit a column, it should be 600 to 700 words and be submitted with a photo of you. As a staff we decided to run the letter to the editor below in its entirety because we feel it is well written and supported by factual information we deemed important for our readers to know and ponder over