Is Free Speech an American value, or is that just some sissy liberal talk?

Answer 1

Oh, I am wounded to the core.

Are you familiar with a document that conservatives shredded and used for toilet paper called the Constitution? Well, the First Amendment to that document, which Bush is reported to have called "just a GD piece of paper" guarantees free speech as not only a value, but a right.

It is not an absolute freedom, of course, there are restrictions against its abuse, such as libel and defamation, obscenity, incitement to crime, and sedition. Although they have been rejected by American courts, some arguments have been made that speech which is offensive whould also fall under restricted speech, such as using the phrase "sissy liberal talk."

Answer 2

People forget that the primary goal of liberals is to uphold the constitutional mandate to "secure the blessings of Liberty". So, upholding the Constitutional grant favoring freedom of speech would by definition be a liberal goal.

However, that's beside the point. Let's say hypothetically that free speech were not an American value. That means that only approved speech should be allowed, and that people are not free to voice a dissent.

Well, first, that puts the US squarely in line with China, who can censor any political speech that opposes the current government. It also puts the US firmly into the ranks of tyrannies, where unapproved speech is forbidden. Without dissent, and without an open political process, those in power remain in power without any opposition or inconvenient questions.

The point of free speech is to prevent those in power (those making the laws) from controlling what people see and hear and think. The point of free speech is to allow people to discuss issues, form opinions (not under governmental duress), and then actively participate in the political process.

How can you have an open electoral process if people aren't free to express opinions on both sides? And how can you have accountability if people aren't free to question and challenge the elected officials.

What happens if we remove "the freedom of speech, or of the press" from the 1st Amendment. Suddenly, the only types expression allowed are religious (free exercise), or to "petition the government for a redress of grievances". However, it's the latter that seems to get people into the most trouble nowadays, where newspapers challenge government policies as being illegal. And with courts refusing to even hear cases because of "national security" issues, the right to petition is already being eroded.

So, strike that one too. No free speech, except for religious expression, and no right to petition. Given the 98% incumbency rate in Congress, we're already close to the point where the government is no longer accountable to the American people.

Eliminating the ability to question or speak out against the government would only ensure that outcome. So, is there really any question of whether free speech should be an American value?

Answer 3

No it's not just sissy liberal talk. But with the free speech comes responsibility. And a difference of opinion on ANY topic doesn't automatically mean the other person is lying and resorting to name calling only shows how weak your side of the discussion actually is.

Answer 4

Free Speech has always been an American value, and that's coming from a conservative, not a sissy liberal.

Answer 5

Free speech should be an American value, however, more and more it's being repressed.

Especially in the last few years. The pressure the government has be putting of the press for the NSA story and the new Swift Bank story is a great example of this.

Answer 6

It is a constitutional right, the first amendment rights.

But along with this fascist administration's targeting of our civil liberties even free speech has taken a hit. Soon there will prolly be the Flag amendment to vote on, even further deteriorating our civil liberties.

If we (as people) don't fight for every hit or threat to our civil liberties we will lose them and slowly fall into an autocratic form of government. I'll agree that some of the people in this great country are cowards and would trade civil rights for security, they are too ignorant of the liberties that we enjoy and don't deserve them, but the thinkers and the fighters do.

Answer 7

Free speech is not a value but a right that every human being is entitled to. In America, that right is listed in the 1st Amendment. This is not where government gives us that right, rather, it is an acknowledgement that this right we possess inherently, and government has no power to take it from us, or restrict it.

Unfortunately, we have failed ourselves and let the government have power over it. We have let the incumbents enact campaign finance "reforms" which (gee, what a surprise) actually protects them more from competition and limits our abilities to speak out. They prevent churches and clergy and other non-profit organizations from speaking out without the looming penalty of taxation. Are they free or not?

And no, it is not 'free speech' when it comes to revealing national security secrets like the liberals have done recently, which have served to significantly undermine our ability to find our enemy and prevent their attacks. That is treason.

Answer 8

Free Speech is an American value however you must accept the consequences of that freedom.

Answer 9

Free speech is a Constitutional right given to all citizens of the United States. I hope you are a foreigner asking a question like that.

Answer 10

Free speech is a very important right that we have as Americans. That being said, it's not right to publish information on secret programs aimed at finding terrorist. It puts my husband's (a Marine) life in even more danger and that of every other man and woman fighting with him. If infringes on the troops rights to be alive!