To the editor:

    
Micheline Eyraud claimed to “understand there is free speech in this country,” according to her February 17 letter to the editor (Dear Patrick Murray: You lost, remember?). 
    
She castigated former congressional candidate Patrick Murray (R) for having the unmitigated gall to voice an opinion after losing an election. Did you offer the same complaint following the 2000 presidential election? After all, there has been perpetual bloviating from the king of global warming conspiracies, Al Gore.
    
The First Amendment of the Constitution applies to all Americans, Ms. Eyraud, not just the ones with whom you agree. Mr. Murray is entitled to opine about Jim Moran as often as he wishes even if it annoys you. 
    
It is such a shame that only conservatives seem to remember the old adage attributed to Voltaire: “I may not agree with what you say but I will defend to the death your right to say it.” Liberals always seem to want tolerance for everyone except for those with whom they disagree.
    
And with Jim Moran’s re-election, it is the citizens of Virginia’s 8th Congressional District who have lost.