Freedom of speech is essential, as Susan Tellem wrote. Under no circumstances can it be abridged (save instances where it poses a legitimate threat to others).
Could our response possibly have censured her to a point where she no longer felt safe in expressing her views publicly? Kinder words are always appreciated, as no one wants to feel alone on any issue.
You could also argue that we were expressing the very same Constitutional right. Of course, no one wants to see their convictions belittled. Unless someone is silenced through direct intimidation, however, printed rebuttals are always protected by the First Amendment to the same degree as the controversial opinions that they challenge.
Sam Diego Chavira