It’s a free country?

Freedom of association remains a bedrock constitutional principle. Unfortunately, some people apparently believe it applies only to those with a liberal bent.

In the week following the election, fashion designer Sophie Theallet penned and posted an open letter on Twitter, a portion of which read: “As one who celebrates and strives for diversity, individual freedom and respect for all lifestyles, I will not participate in dressing or associating in any way with the next first lady.”

Of course, that would be Melania Trump, wife of president-elect Donald Trump.

In response, Reason.com managing editor Stephanie Slade noted that Ms. Theallet designed and donated clothes for First Lady Michelle Obama. But the fact that the designer won’t do the same for Mrs. Trump doesn’t bother Ms. Slade, who writes that it’s an example of “associational freedom — the right to make decisions for yourself about how and with whom you spend your time and energy. This includes the right not to take on a client or project that elevates, in your view, a value you disagree with.”

Then, Ms. Slade identifies that crux of the matter. “The problem is,” she wrote, “just how many people don’t seem to think that same freedom should be extended to bakery owners, photographers, and other wedding vendors who object to same-sex marriage on religious grounds.”

In her letter, Ms. Theallet wrote that, “We consider our voice an expression of our artistic and philosophical ideals.” But that same point apparently doesn’t hold up for the white-haired grandmother and owner of Arlene’s Flowers in Washington, a state that “worked to destroy [her] business unless she agrees to take part in a celebration to which she is morally opposed,” Ms. Slade points out. Indeed. Similar conflicts have cropped up around the country, including with an Oregon baker who was run out of business for refusing to bake a cake for a gay wedding ceremony.

It may be impertinent to ask, but if Ms. Theallet has the right to refuse her services for the inaugural ceremony, why doesn’t an Oregon baker or a Washington florist enjoy that same freedom?

Art Marroquin’s excellent column on a topic that most of us find annoyingly overlooked by government officials and political candidates reminded us of our own experience during the recent election cycle (“All right, candidates, take down your signs,” Nov 21 Review-Journal).

We live on a corner lot and a candidate we felt we could support asked permission to install two campaign yard signs on our property. We authorized this but later regretted that decision because the signs were never taken down after the primary even after we called and also emailed the candidate’s office requesting their removal. I removed them myself.

We considered this irresponsible behavior to be a preview of post-election behavior. So we voted for the candidate’s opponent. The candidate from the opposition party won election.

Why would a candidate campaigning for office behave so arrogantly and irresponsibly by ignoring sign ordinances when he or she is trying to convince passers-by that he or she is the “best” candidate for the job? Maybe he or she is too thoughtless, uncaring or unqualified for the office.

There is no doubt that Hillary Clinton’s paranoia inflicted damage. But she has only herself to blame. I do not believe she should be subjected to further investigation, as it would be a disruptive distraction for our nation when more pressing concerns are before us.

There should be a reference on her record as secretary of state that emphasizes her carelessness regarding her emails. That way, future government appointees will be aware that such behavior is not without consequence.

In the same vein, I would like to see Gen. David Petraeus and Navy sailor Kristian Saucier pardoned with matching conditions.

I take exception to writer Jim Hawkes’ comparison of our president elect to Adolf Hitler (Wednesday letter to the editor). This is just the type of hysteria and twisted thinking that is causing riots across our nation. Give Mr. Hawkes and other Chicken Littles a participation trophy and a therapy dog.

Jim Hawkes’ Wednesday letter to the editor comparing President-elect Donald Trump to Hitler shows a level of ignorance beyond belief. Mr. Hawkes stated that “madness and mayhem” will ensue.

This type of inflammatory language — calling Mr. Trump Hitler-like — is an insult to the victims and everyone who had a relative or friend who was murdered during the Holocaust.

Mr. Hawkes and his fellow Democrats need to get over the fact that their candidate,

In his Nov. 20 column, Wayne Allyn Root delved into the reasons that Nevada went “blue” in the recent election. While I agree with everything he wrote, may I suggest he left out the most important reason: Californication.

For years, Oregon residents tried to fight off the onslaught of the invaders from the south only to be overcome by the liberal hordes. Next came Colorado, a reliable red state. It has now succumbed to the influx of the so-called progressives.

Now Nevada has come under liberal rule. Who will be next? Three families move out of California for every one moving into the state. Many are moving to Texas for its many benefits. Texans should be concerned, very concerned.

If Wayne Allyn Root has any credible evidence of “massive voter fraud” or “illegal immigrants voting all over this country” as stated in his Nov. 20 column, he has an obligation to forward that information to the mostly Republican secretaries of state across the country. He can start with Nevada’s own Republican secretary of state, Barbara Cegavske.