Professor didn’t understand free speech — Wayne Shockley – Madison.com

In last Sundays State Journal, Daniel Bromleys guest column "Free speech in the age of Trump" starts with an eloquent description of the value of the free exchange of ideas and opinions made possible by free speech.

Unfortunately, he then makes egregious errors. He would deny the protection of the practice of free speech from speech considered divisive. He refers to speakers who appear under the banner of free speech, when in fact what is on offer is a campaign rally.

Speech that is different and challenging is inherently divisive. Advocacy is naturally encouraging people to join their cause. And speeches at campaign rallies are protected speech under the Constitution.

What is even worse is that the distinction Bromley wants to make is to be made by self-appointed groups who answer to nothing but their own opinions. Their criteria for blocking some speech is simply that they dont like the content. It is disturbing that educated people cannot understand that for speech to be genuinely free, any rare restrictions must be completely neutral as to political or social content.

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Professor didn't understand free speech -- Wayne Shockley - Madison.com