Judging by the insanity seen in recent months in Berkeley, California, the battle for free speech is becoming more literal than figurative these days.

Several weeks ago, supporters of President Donald Trump hosted a rally in the predominately liberal west coast college town, which has been in the spotlight following several violent clashes between left- and right-wing activists in recent months.

As has been in the case with prior events, self proclaimed “communist anarchists,” many clad head-to-toe in black clothing, crashed the pro-Trump rally.

The battle of ideas quickly escalated into one of fists, as the two sides began pummeling one another. Some even tossed smoke bombs and firecrackers into the opposing ranks, making the streets of the California city resemble a scene out of a World War II film.

Following the carnage, the last thing you would expect Republican students at the University of California, Berekley, to do is invite a controversial conservative figure to speak on campus.

However, the students did exactly that, asking author Ann Coulter to talk at an event sponsored by the College Republicans and other conservative groups.

Coulter’s scheduled talk received scathing condemnation from Democrats and other left-leaning people, who criticized the writer’s opinions on immigration and other subjects as overly inflammatory.

Among those who joined the fray was former DNC chair and governor of Vermont Howard Dean, who tweeted “Hate speech is not protected by the First Amendment,” in response to a common defense made by people supporting Coulter’s right to speak at the college.

Sorry to tell you, Mr. Dean, but hate speech is completely protected by the Constitution. In fact, allowing people to express opinions the majority of people may find offensive or objectionable is what the First Amendment is all about.

After all, who is going to suppress the rights of someone saying things the public already readily accepts? The point of freedom of speech is not to give air time to people simply defending the status quo, but to allow those who go against the grain to state their opinion without fear of government reprisal.

Coulter has certainly established her reputation by making claims that many — heck, even most people — find appalling. But that does not mean she does not have the right to express them, especially when a group of her fans are paying her to do so.

If you don’t like the ideas she presents, do not listen to them. Don’t buy her books or go to her talks.

Or better yet, share your ideas with the world, and come up with arguments that demonstrate the flaws in her claims.

If you want to win people to your side, use facts and reason. Leave the M-80s and smoke bombs at home.

Opinions expressed are those of the editorial board consisting of General Manager Ambrosia Neldon and editors Scott Novak and Ted Yoakum.