How is freedom of speech important?

Answer 1

In a country with free speech, the very worst that exists comes to the front.

Everyone has "dirty laundry and smudged faces".

But there is one difference that makes it all worth while:

We don't kill each other over it.

Despite our vehemence, or vitriol, there is no violence.

We have freedom, but our freedom to "swing our fist ends where someone else's nose begins".

There are countries where if you LOOK at someone too much, they take it as reasonable cause to attack you. There are countries where if you complain about the government you get arrested (how silly the people who cry, like Chicken Little, "The government is coming to take away our free speech, any...day...now...!").

Freedom of speech will free Islam from the chains of tyranny.
Freedom of speech will free us in the U.S. from our self-imposed chains of socialism.
Freedom of speech will free our children from the silence of ignorance.

I suppose that makes it mildly important.

You have it.

That makes it essential.

Answer 2

Responsible freedom of speech is important. Crying wolf in a crowded theater is not freedom of speech.

Answer 3

it's important because it gives you the ability to ask stupid questions like this one. In most countries you would be hanged for asking such a stupid question. (and yes, the proper term is hanged, not hung)

Answer 4

Well, if we could only ask those who spoke out against Hitler or Stalin or Mao or Saddam, I'm sure they could tell us the importance. Unfortunately they're dead.