What are your feelings about freedom of speech? We think you might agree that freedom of speech is important. After all, freedom of speech is a fundamental American value that’s in the First Amendment of the Constitution. It guarantees citizens the right to express their views openly without fear of government censorship or retaliation. As President George Washington said, “If the freedom of speech is taken away then dumb and silent we may be led, like sheep to the slaughter.” Strong words! So, how else is free speech important?

Free speech fosters a “marketplace of ideas,” where individuals can advocate for policies and solutions. It allows the exchange of information necessary to make wise decisions for society. Even offensive or unpopular ideas deserve protection. Truth springs from ideas among people of all perspectives.

Robust debate is not possible without strong protections for free speech. The First Amendment ensures the right to voice minority or unpopular opinions that may challenge the status quo. It prevents the majority from silencing people simply because they find their speech unpleasant or offensive. Free speech means opinions that people or organizations condemn must still receive protection.

Free expression is crucial for a culture of tolerance, individual autonomy, and personal freedom. It allows people to openly discuss and explore religious, philosophical, and political beliefs that give life meaning. Without free speech, government could mandate which opinions are permissible and which are forbidden.

It seems more and more that our right to free speech is being gradually eroded on many different fronts. The New York Times acknowledges this trend when it says, “Americans are losing hold of a fundamental right…to speak their minds…without fear of being shamed or shunned.”

College campuses used to be a safe place to express divergent opinions without reprisal, but what’s happening now? Kenneth Lasson, a professor of civil liberties and international human rights at the University of Baltimore School of Law wrote a paper, “The Decline of Free Speech on the Postmodern Campus: The Troubling Evolution of the Heckler’s Veto.” In it he says, “Those with opinions that might challenge campus orthodoxies are rarely invited, and often disinvited after having been scheduled, or shouted down or otherwise disrupted.”

Lasson went on to say, “When protestors embroil visiting speakers or break in on meetings to take them over or even resort to violence, administrators often choose to look the other way.” He further points out that many times police arrest the speaker (not the heckler) for disturbing the peace!

Of course, there are reasonable limits on free speech, such as laws against defamation, true threats, or incitement of violence. But these narrow exceptions must not be used as pretext to censor lawful views some find objectionable. A society that values liberty tolerates all peaceful speech.

We think of the popular song by Aretha Franklin titled Respect. What’s happened is that it seems many people and organizations have lost the way to show respect for free speech. This lack of respect for free speech extends to lack of respect for each other. The song is about respect for a loved one, but wouldn’t it be wonderful if respect could apply to all people? If people could voice their opinions without fear of retribution or being ‘cancelled’, it would allow for more advances in many areas. These areas include science, technology, healthcare, just to name a few. And free speech would also allow people to learn, grow, and embrace or challenge new discoveries.

Free speech reflects our belief that citizens can responsibly govern themselves when open discourse flourishes. Speech should not be restricted simply because it insults or offends. Ideas we hate today may enlighten us tomorrow.

Most of us are interested in the same things – having a safe place to live and work; freedom to speak responsibly without fear of reprisal; freedom of religion; the right to vote and have our vote counted, among many other things.

It may be helpful to think about what we have in common, what makes us united, instead of what divides us. Think what adding respect for each other’s speech and differences could do for relationships, all the way from family relationships to governing bodies.

What about you? How important is the right to engage in free speech to you? Joni Mitchel sang, “Don’t it always seem to go, that you don’t know what you got ‘til it’s gone.” Let’s not take free speech for granted. Voice your ideas respectfully to keep free speech alive and well! Let’s use it so we don’t lose it!

Chanhassen MN residents, Doug and Lynn Nodland are success coaches and owners of The Balance Center in Excelsior. Contact them at WeCare@TheBalanceCenter.com

© Doug and Lynn Nodland 2023 Articles and videos may be shared in their entirety with attribution.