Fran ois-Marie Arouet, best known by his pen name Voltaire, is said to have written the most famous words during his lengthy public career: “I disapprove of what you say, but I will defend to the death your right to say it.”
Unfortunately, it appears that the renowned French philosopher never actually wrote or said those words, as is so often the case with iconic statements. Among many others, the killjoys who manage the Quote Investigator website have concluded that Voltaire’s biographer wrote the well-known statement to encapsulate his feelings toward a rival.
Well, anything. Regardless of whether Voltaire said it or it was said about him, it is still a valuable indicator of an open mind, a yardstick for fair play and a criterion by which to evaluate one’s own character.
In light of this, let’s focus on the City Club of Cleveland, a renowned bastion of free expression on a local and, to a large extent, national level. Great intellectuals and world leaders, including presidents (Ronald Reagan through Barack Obama) and monarchs (Martin Luther Jr., Billie Jean, and Larry), have participated in City Club Forums, proudly stating their support for free speech and the advantages of free discussion.
The club declares in its mission and vision statement that it is nonpartisan. We are strong proponents of interaction and do not take sides on problems.
Every time I’ve gone to a Forum, I’ve discovered that to be the case, and I’ve been honored to be a part of a couple.
In a society that is far too frequently impolite and uncivilized, it is a haven of decency. In my experience, audiences have consistently listened to the speaker’s remarks and reactions with courtesy, even when many of them disagreed with him or her. In general, people sit quietly when they feel that no clapping is necessary, ask intelligent questions, and applaud when appropriate.
Then, on Wednesday of last week, Bernie Moreno accepted an invitation to participate.
A heated, seemingly partisan crowd expressed strong dissatisfaction of the Republican senator’s remarks. However, everyone who could have been willing to fight to the death for Moreno’s right to say those things said nothing, save for one person.
In reaction to Moreno’s comments, there were instead hooting, scoffing, table slamming, and catcalls, to the extent that the Forum’s organizers had to remind the audience to uphold the customary but absentee spirit of decorum on this particular day.
I was not present at the Forum. I wish I had. My thoughts are based on having seen the films multiple times, speaking with both left and right friends who were present, and reading reports on what was said and done. As a result, I believe I have a decent understanding of what transpired.
In other words, the City Club audience disgraced themselves and their organization for the first time in my experience.
When I watched it, I experienced the same emotions as when Republican U.S. Representative Joe Wilson yelled, “You lie!” at President Barack Obama at a joint session of Congress in 2009.
Unfortunately, it does not appear as startling now, but at the time, that was a terrible breach of etiquette that ushered in a time when such a lack of decorum and respect has become all too frequent.
On Wednesday, the City Club crowd followed suit.
About halfway through, Chief Executive Officer Dan Moulthrop had to interrupt the event to reprimand some of the rowdy guests:
He remarked, “I just want to ask everyone to take a few deep breaths and remember that we all came here to hear answers.” Even while we might not agree with those responses, we are here to honor free speech. If you choose not to participate, you are welcome to leave, and I will gladly reimburse any tickets that require a refund.
Following that, Moulthrop was seen looking around the audience throughout the Q&A session and occasionally reminding folks to be polite.
Board President Mark Ross said he had been trying for months to arrange an appearance with Moreno, and in his opening remarks, he attempted to avoid what he clearly believed would be an unpleasant reaction.
As it turned out, he urged the crowd to be respectful, saying, “We are in a time when this kind of direct engagement between elected officials and constituents has become increasingly rare across this country and frequently when they do happen, they unfortunately get out of hand.”
When he told the audience at the end that, “In my opening, I used the phrase respectful detractors, trying to get ahead of some of the heated dialogue, which obviously didn’t quite work,” he was clearly embarrassed.
He concluded by saying, “I would just off-script remind everyone that we have to be a little bit more thoughtful in the way we’re acting in the audience if we’re going to continue to have speakers like Senator Moreno here today.”
The response of the crowd Unfortunately, Wednesday exemplifies what has come to be seen as political discourse: Never pay attention to what someone on the opposing side has to say or attempt to comprehend why his views are different from your own. Don’t try to appreciate and understand each other. Just yell at him, curse at him, drown him out, and disregard his attempts to clarify himself.
In an expected response, Ohio Republican Chair Alex Triantafilou called on GOP candidates to abstain from any more appearances at the City Club.
However, that is the coward’s escape route. A boycott would have kept those who genuinely wanted to hear Moreno’s words from doing so, and he carried himself with a dignity and class that contrasted instructively with many of the throng. We require more of that.
The City Club has established a reputation for bringing in speakers from a wide range of political backgrounds, encouraging civil discourse, and making an effort to comprehend one another.
If impolite and unruly crowds are successful in pressuring its organizers to invite only speakers who will say what the public wants to hear, that reputation will be ruined.
Ted Diadiun serves on the editorial boards of The Plain Dealer and cleveland.com.
Ted Diadiun may be contacted at [email protected].
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