Freedom of Speech
Posted: Monday, August 03, 2009
by Missing Link
Beware the dim-witted false patriots who ignorantly declare unpatriotic anyone who should dare to question critically any aspect of our country. It is a narrow, limited mind whose best argument is "Love it, or leave it". Our country was founded on freedom, freedom that most expressly protects the right to express ourselves.
These people use a warped argument that because we do not (usually) beat people with sticks or (usually) shoot them or imprison them for openly dissenting, that nobody in the US should be dissenting. Their reaction to dissent is to declare that dissention here is unwanted and even a cause to suggest lack of national loyalty.
How can one simultaneously decry the cruelty and injustice of leaders in the world who violently suppress dissension and then turn to our fellow citizens and tell them love it or leave it?
I think it is a sign of the failure of our educational system to teach children to use their critical thinking skills that the best argument many people have is "shut the hell up". It shows an intellectual weakness that may be prone to perversion by verbose talking heads, virulent leadership, or an evil and charismatic political personality.
If Americans have lost the ability to think and express themselves critically, to engage in informed dialogue that intelligently argues with a clear understanding of all sides of the issues, then we have failed our ancestors who came here to give us freedom from being told what to think and believe.
If citizens are derided as unpatriotic for expressing a point of view that asks questions about the status quo and group-think of the country, then we aren't any better off than the countries we criticize and we are just a baton swing away from their level. If debate is unpatriotic, we have already lost the precious freedom of expression that fuels informed argumentation so healthy to our political system.
So let's not be lazy in our argumentation Americans. Let's take the time to understand all sides of an issue so we are prepared to argue our position clearly, intelligently and convincingly. Let's lay out our argument, listen to each other and work through differences without questioning the patriotism of those with dissenting points of view. To restrict freedom, now that is unpatriotic.
"If the freedom of speech is taken away then dumb and silent we may be led, like sheep to the slaughter."
George Washington
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Top-level comments on this article: (7 total)Yes we should never deprive people the right to speak what they believe. For our country was founded by people who rebelled against a monarchy. Without freedom of speech our constitution would never have been written. "good article"
Thanks David! ML
Very well done. Freedom of speech is our most basic right. Many people, from both sides of the aisle, forget that just because we don't agree with something doesn't mean it shouldn't be said. All opinions are relevant to someone. Discussion, debate and dissention go hand-in-hand with that freedom we should all preserve.
I think this maybe the first time we agree on something. You have very eloquently made a very good point>We are in a great country because of the ability of our citizens to say what they wish, to disagree as you and I have on several occasions, and to try and change the system for the better. All which is why the liberal "fairness doctrine” is such a farce. What right does the government have to tell us what and how much can be said? It is one thing to expect news media to try and be unbiased but to tell a specific radio station that if it carries rush it must also carry say Ed Shultz or vice versa is ridiculous! Thank you for making this point so clearly
AMEN! Common ground!ML
Missing, great job, exactly the point, if good men do nothing, etc. Even Christians are encouraged to speak out but many of them think they can't be righteously angry.
Thank you Robert!ML
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