I think that we all want the same kind of thing in terms of where we live. We want safety, the ability to pursue happiness, a healthy environment, and one free from external violence and ugliness. As a result of a recent court decision people who live in Missouri will no longer be able to live free of messages of hatre.

In the case entitled Robb v. Hungerbeeler, a federal appeals court decision upheld the rights of a chapter of the KKK to sponsor a portion of a highway as part of Missouri's "Adopt a Highway" program.

Adopting a highway certainly seems innocent enough, especially when one of the only obligations of the program is to make people available to clean the stretch of adopted highway two times during a six month period. But that's not what the organization is fighting over. You see, as part of the program the sponsor's high profile name is placed on two signs on the highway, one on each end of the adopted stretch.

Understandably, Missouri didn't want any part of that and kept on rejecting the organization's application. But now the KKK signs will be installed on the road way, unless the Supreme Court hears this case. Personally, I hope it does hear this case.

Can you imagine traveling on a local stretch of state highway with your family and having to see that sign? Could you imagine the horror and indignation that that kind of message might promote? Everyone is aware of the values that have historically been associated with organization's bearing this well known, national brand.

The state of Missouri was right in trying to stop this highway adoption. Yes, the program only allows a sponsor's name without any additional information. But I believe that the name of this group carries with it a very powerful message. A message which I hope for most Americans is very much at odds with what America should represent.

Thank heavens for Missouri officials who were brave enough to stand up for what they believe to be right and just. I am convinced that Missouri did the right thing.

I know the "First Amendment" arguments and I do not believe that message of pure evil are covered by it. The First Amendment has limits. Stopping these signs does no violence at all to the First Amendment. I believe that those signs would represent the same kind of public nuisance as would graffiti spray painted on a public bench. Neither are protected speech.

Missouri officials: don't be deterred. Keep on fighting for the values that I believe are upheld by most Americans. Sticks and stones may break our bones. And some names, including, I believe the "KKK," are so painful that they do hurt us everyone of us.

The information provided in this column is written by Stuart Lieberman,a practicing environmental attorney, and is for general information purposes only. It is not legal advice and should not be used in place of legal advice.

Stuart Lieberman, Esq., and IRED.Com, Inc., will not accept any responsibilty for any reliance on the information in this column or any damages whatsoever resulting from reading this column.