“As Americans we are taught from childhood that being American means having the right to say what you want to say. Freedom of speech isn’t decided by opinion or debate.”



I don’t imagine that there are too many Americans who would disagree with the above quote. From the time we are old enough to learn about American history we find out that freedom of speech is a right that is protected by the Constitution of the United States. In fact the first amendment to the constitution reads:

“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”.

That we all have a right to say what we please, with a few exceptions; like yelling fire in a crowded theater when there is none, is an idea that most Americans embrace.

Until that is, someone says something that we don’t agree with.

Then it’s “Katy bar the door, hide the women and children, cause all hell is about to break loose”.

I suppose it’s just human nature to feel that way; someone says something we don’t like; someone says something that hits close to home and all of a sudden their freedom of speech doesn’t seem so automatic; so American anymore: rather it seems un-American.

This is especially true in politics and religion.

In certain situations, we tend to lash out at the person contradicting our stance and in our eagerness to make our case we end up not giving a damn about freedom of speech. And by the time we’re through, we are demanding that the other person apologize for having exercised their most important and fundamental freedom.

After we exact our revenge, we then go about our daily lives; celebrating the fact that we are Americans and as such we enjoy more freedoms than the rest of the entire world.

And therein lies the true contradiction. How can we profess to whole heartedly believe in freedom of speech, yet condemn those who exercise their right to express their opinion?

Is it because it’s our way or the highway? Is it because we place a greater priority on being right than defending a person’s rights? Or is it that we only believe in freedom

of speech when it doesn’t contradict with our own beliefs?

Whatever the reason, we should not forget that one of the reasons we enjoy the freedoms that we do today is because at different times in our American history, someone had the courage to stand up and express their opposing views. In fact, most of the progress we have made as a country has come as a result of a debate or difference of opinion which ultimately has led to compromises.

That’s one of the greatest characteristics we as Americans posses.

It has been said that “you can only protect your liberties in this world by protecting the other man’s freedom”. I couldn’t agree more.

Because until we place as much importance on another person’s right to express his or her views as we do on our own beliefs, we cannot with a clear conscience say that we truly value the most basic right of our American way of life.

If we insist on exacting revenge until we get it; the results just may leave a bitter taste in our mouths.

But, if we can embrace and live by those 30 simple but true words cited at the beginning of this column; even when we disagree with what’s being said, then we will be making sure that our own freedom of speech is protected.

Because until we do, the words “with liberty and justice for all” will just be words on a piece of paper and they will ring as hollow as our belief in freedom of speech.

Until we see the day when we defend the rights of others to freely express their opinions instead of seeking retribution or vengeance, we cannot continue to say that freedom of speech is one of the cornerstones of our constitution.

Because until we do, we should expect that one day, sooner or later, the chicks will come home to roost.

By the way; the above quote about freedom of speech not being decided by debate or opinion: Natalie Maines; lead singer for the Dixie Chicks, December 2006.



“If all mankind minus one were of one opinion, and only one person (was) of the contrary opinion, mankind would be no more justified in silencing that one person than he, if he had the power, would be justified in silencing mankind.” – Author Unknown



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