Freedom of speech is a precious right – Fort Madison Daily Democrat

A lot of folks in our society today dont seem to respect or fully understand our constitutionally protected right of free speech.

Ideologically-driven leftists who refuse to let those with whom they disagree speak at university/college campus events, town hall meetings, and other public venues epitomize that selfish lack of respect. And there are often no negative, personal consequences for their impudent (sometimes violent) behavior.

Fortunately, the silent majority prefers a saner society and wants no part of any movement that promotes and/or tolerates such flagrant disregard for constitutional principles (including the right to peaceably assemble, which does not cover looting, destroying property, throwing rocks at cops, etc.). Leftists will continue to lose support because of this.

Having the audacity to believe that none of us should be allowed to speak or write in a manner that offends others is simply delusional. Can you imagine what our society would be like if that idea were to somehow be enforced? Who would decide what is offensive? Communist dictatorship, here we come.

We should all cherish our First Amendment right of free speech. For example, I not only disagree with probably 80-plus percent of what William Windsor writes, I find much of it to be quite offensive. Does that mean I would advocate prohibiting him from expressing himself the way he does? Of course not!

Make a note, Linda Nash. Nobody can hurt my feelings (or yours) unless I (or you) allow it. Like it or not, we adults cannot legitimately blame another person for how we feel. Thats our responsibility. And nobody else can be held responsible if some adult stops talking or writing due to fear of being criticized in no uncertain terms.

Some would say that we should all be able to disagree without being disagreeable. What about those whose limited communication skills preclude their always being able to do that? Should they not be allowed to express their opinions? Walking on eggshells is (as often as not) ineffective, unhealthy, and unrealistic.

Attempts to control others via what is politely termed political correctness has been carried to ridiculous extremes by guess who? Leftists, of course. Another reason they are losing ground.

Freedom of speech is a very broad concept in America. Only certain narrowly defined categories of speech are considered illegal e.g., credible murder or terrorist threats, sedition (such cases are rare), and (sometimes) incitements to violence. Hate speech per se is actually legal.

Our First Amendment right of speech is precious. Its there to protect those with whom we disagree. And since nobody has ever had a single idea that we would all agree with, arent we lucky our constitution is there to protect us from tyrants would choose to stifle us?

A few of my favorite quotes:

If liberty means anything at all, it means the right to tell people what they do not want to hear. George Orwell

Free speech is the whole thing, the whole ball game. Free speech is life itself. Salmon Rushdie

So long as they dont get violent, I want everyone to say what they wish, for I myself have always said exactly what pleased me. Albert Einstein

Whoever would overthrow the liberty of a nation must begin by subduing the freeness of speech. Benjamin Franklin

How brave a thing is freedom of speech, which made the Athenians so far exceed every other state in Hellas [ancient Greece] in greatness. Herodotus

Fred Bindewald

Fort Madison