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Why Defending Freedom of Speech Is Vital to Our Freedom

Protecting what you can and cannot say falls into your freedoms in America. What if you couldn't say certain things? What if the rules changed? What would you do? How would you feel?

By ShinyPublished 5 years ago 4 min read
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The picture above shows a pretty clear picture, both sides of the political party. The people against Trump and the people for him. I voted for Trump, and plan to again in 2020—maybe you want to vote for Bernie Sanders or Kamala Harris. You have opinions, thoughts, and concerns, which are all relevant to your life. You have things you want to say about people you do and don't like. Maybe you hate Trump, maybe you hate Democrats; whichever it is what if you couldn't have an opinion?

Your Freedom of Speech

We've already talked about speech you may not like or agree with, and how expressing your views violently or being violent are never ways to express your opinions; but now we're going to talk about why this is important to you, your freedom and our America.

Your freedom to say what you want is protected by the First Amendment in the US Constitution. It states that Congress shall make no law abridging the freedom of speech or press. It also gives you the right to peacefully assemble, which is what makes it free for protests, rallies and political walks.

There are quite a few Democrats who would like to see Freedom of Speech regulated, controlled or in some cases even prosecuted. Some have evolved into what some call "hate speech" and while there is hateful speech out there, the idea of "hate speech" doesn't actually exist. Anyone can say hateful things, but no matter what you say no matter how horrible, you're protected under the First Amendment. That doesn't mean that you should go around saying horrible things to people, it just means that the law protects you.

What about Hate Crimes? A Hate Crime is designated as a crime being racially, religiously or sexually motivated. Sometimes horrible speech can be a prerequisite to these hate crimes and in that case, they are taken into consideration during prosecution. Mostly as a way for the jury to understand the motive behind someone's crime. Not necessarily to judge or punish someone for their speech. People say things all the time that they don't think about or don't consider. Freedom of Speech keeps you from being blamed for what you say. There are clauses in the law that protect people, like from cyberbullying, menacing, and others. These are all important in terms of keeping people safe. You should NEVER tell someone to kill themselves, die, harm themselves or wish harm on them. You can wish and hope all you want that they lose their job, get fired, or move somewhere else, but under no circumstances should you ever tell someone that they should end their life. This is not acceptable.

There is a social rule in place that has been taught to children for decades. In recent years though, that hidden rule has slowly been ignored and neglected by certain families. With parents having the freedom to raise their children the way they want, of course, lack in manners or increase in them would fluctuate. That is also true in terms of what children learn is socially acceptable to say to someone as far as opinions go.

Most parents teach their children that while expressing your opinions is very important, using violence to get your opinions across to someone else is wrong. Manners aren't just prevalent in religious families either, modern families and liberal families teach their children manners and how to behave. It's a small percentage of the population that are neglectful in their duties as parents. Still, even though that number is small there are several thousand people who use violence commonly when faced with a different opinion from their own. It's seen a lot towards Trump supporters, but people from the other side also suffer from violence, It's not just sectored to one side.

Why Its Important

In reading all this, you might be asking why it's so important to protect someone's freedom of speech, especially if there are people out there who say things you don't like.

Here's the problem with regulating free speech. It applies to everyone. SO if someone calls you a horrible name, expresses opinions about how they don't like you, or don't support your opinions and you decide they shouldn't be able to say things like that—neither will you. That means the road goes both ways. You can't have your cake and eat it too.

There are lights at the end of the tunnel though. What this means is that you can use this to your own advantage. You can express your opinions freely without persecution.

While I don't agree with everything said about President Trump, I support your rights to say those opinions. I don't support or condone violence against anyone, no matter their opinions. This includes:

  1. Grabbing other people's equipment (Such as video recorders, cell phones or mics)
  2. Pushing, shoving or hitting.
  3. Getting into people's personal space bubble

These things should NOT be done to anyone at any time. If you don't agree with something someone says, or you don't want to talk to someone, WALK AWAY, It's that simple. ANYONE can attend a protest, rally, or march and remember, they don't need permission to be there, unless they are under a court order, restraining order or otherwise instructed by a judge.

Respect Others

I know it's elementary, but it comes with the territory. Keeping Freedom of Speech free is important to your personal freedoms, respecting the constitution, and exercising your first amendment right. In saying that, showing others respect despite their political standing, sexual orientation, or religious beliefs.

In saying that remember who fought for your first amendment right, and remember to always protect your own freedom. It's more important than you think.

opinion
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About the Creator

Shiny

I am a writer, author and painter. I have a Master's degree in Creative Writing and love writing about all kinds of topics.

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