Freedom of Speech
"If the freedom of speech is taken away then dumb and silent we may be led, like sheep to the slaughter." - George Washington
This quote shows that freedom of speech allows us to be in the know so that we may make what we believe to be proper and just decisions for our government which we, as a democratic nation, control.
Freedom of speech - the right to share our opinions! It is hard to define what freedom of speech is, but really much easier to say what it isn't. Can you imagine living in a country where you are not allowed to criticize the government for fear or being murdered, tortured, arrested, or just punished in general? Or how about having the government monitor every word that you say to your friends, family, coworkers, and any other acquaintances you may have? In America, we don't have to worry about any of this because of freedom of speech. We can criticize the government. We can speak to whoever we want to. We can let the world know what we're thinking and not have to worry about being punished because we're Americans and we're guaranteed this freedom.
This quote shows that freedom of speech allows us to be in the know so that we may make what we believe to be proper and just decisions for our government which we, as a democratic nation, control.
Freedom of speech - the right to share our opinions! It is hard to define what freedom of speech is, but really much easier to say what it isn't. Can you imagine living in a country where you are not allowed to criticize the government for fear or being murdered, tortured, arrested, or just punished in general? Or how about having the government monitor every word that you say to your friends, family, coworkers, and any other acquaintances you may have? In America, we don't have to worry about any of this because of freedom of speech. We can criticize the government. We can speak to whoever we want to. We can let the world know what we're thinking and not have to worry about being punished because we're Americans and we're guaranteed this freedom.
The First Amendment to the Constitution
"Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the government for a redress of grievances"
How Freedom of Speech is Limited
Freedom of speech is limited in a number of ways. For instance, if an act of free speech can be closely linked to an unlawful action, the government has a right to prevent it. Another example is that you may not use freedom of speech in a harmful way such as spreading libels or slander.
Controversy Surrounding Freedom of Speech - Should the First Amendment Protect the Hateful Speech of Groups Like the American Nazi Party of the Ku Klux Klan?
"The only way to make sure people you agree with can speak is to support the rights of people you don't agree with." Elanor Holmes Norton
This quote shows that we might not always agree with what people are saying, but if we don't allow them to speak, then people who we agree with will be denied that right as well.
Hate speech is always offensive to someone, but restricting it under the law will always be unsuccessful and that's good, because it's more important for the law to protect speech than feelings. It is not a right to go through life without ever being offended. Freedom of speech is not always convenient, but that is the price we pay for that freedom. Remember, if there were no free speech, we would not be allowed to have opinions. Personally, I would rather have the Klan or the Nazi party out marching publicly than to have laws that force them underground, where we can't keep an eye on them.
This quote shows that we might not always agree with what people are saying, but if we don't allow them to speak, then people who we agree with will be denied that right as well.
Hate speech is always offensive to someone, but restricting it under the law will always be unsuccessful and that's good, because it's more important for the law to protect speech than feelings. It is not a right to go through life without ever being offended. Freedom of speech is not always convenient, but that is the price we pay for that freedom. Remember, if there were no free speech, we would not be allowed to have opinions. Personally, I would rather have the Klan or the Nazi party out marching publicly than to have laws that force them underground, where we can't keep an eye on them.
