To the editor:

This newspaper did right — and nothing wrong — by publishing Mr. Sorrentino's letter.

Plainly, these women have become accustomed to not receiving any criticism. They are spoiled, frankly. And, finally, their wrath is unjustifiable… and misplaced, at best. Finally, if they don't like it, they can do what Harry Truman once said, "If you can't stand the heat, get out of the kitchen!" They're long since out of there … but still yap incessantly over anything.

I ask one and all: Why is it not acceptable (within small minds) for an observing citizen to compose a commentary on public fashion in America? Why must American society succumb to fascist-like activists that unjustifiably demand whatever? Why must there be such intolerance of opinion? Why the demand for conformity? What about Free Speech?

I'm old enough to remember, growing up in RI, when girls and women wore dresses and skirts most of the time — and I'm not yet 70 years old! From my perspective, I miss that pretty phenomenon. What is wrong with observing femininity in fashion? Do we have to have a world filled with gross conformity? I'm sure many men are weary of women in slacks, 24/7.

I do not advocate for any civil actions against, nor legal restrictions on women's dress. But I do most strenuously object to any activism that treads upon the legal rights of others, including the constitutionally-guaranteed right of free speech. 

These women protesters are encroaching upon the total right of open and free critiques, oral or written, and as such, I assert that they do wrong, in so doing. 

Gerald F. Chase

Chartley, Mass.