But the trauma doesn’t justify a request by Portland’s mayor that the federal government cancel two demonstrations planned for next month by conservative groups. In making this point, we mean no disrespect to Taliesin Namkai-Meche, Rick Best and Micah Fletcher. Wheeler has also asked the organizers of the demonstrations to stay away voluntarily, which is less problematic. So long as they behave peacefully, Americans are free to gather in public and offend whomever they wish. Elected officials such as Mayor Wheeler are likewise free to condemn such speech, but they may not use their power to prevent it from being expressed.

Source: Los Angeles Times May 31, 2017 12:01 UTC