Can I drive my car long distance with a failed ac compressor?

What is your question?

My air conditioning quit working and a grinding noise under the hood so I went to the local mechanic. The ac compressor is done for. I Do not care to have ac. He said I do not have to fix it, the pulley is a free spinning pulley and the serpentine belt will be safe as long as I don't engage it. He says long trips are safe. I want to be totally sure he was correct before I start driving again.

What makes this problem better or worse?

It’s always the same

How long has your 2007 Chevrolet Impala had this problem?

About a month