Our Right To Free Speech

I've always embraced the right to free speech and it's important to me that we don't lose that right. If you ask most people they would agree, so why are we struggling today with determining how free our free speech can be?

This Right specifically, holds the august position of First Amendment in the Constitution. The Fathers of the constitution documented it as a "God Given" right, not just one that is dependent upon the whims of those in power. Perhaps this is what makes America different from the rest of the world and also what makes it important that we appreciate that difference when we are interacting with the world.

So, let’s start by understanding what free speech is intended to accomplish. ?I'd say it provides transparency and a voice for those without power, when applied equally.

But perhaps there is more to it. We have well-known metaphors about speaking out of turn, like "loose lips sink ships". So maybe our problem isn't what is said so much as where and when it is said.

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If that is the case, then it would seem free speech comes with conditions for integrity and responsibility.

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Integrity to ensure that when we speak, we speak from a position of truth. ?That presumes we heard all sides of an issue, assessed it fairly and intelligently and found the deeper understanding.? I’ve found while doing my own assessments that everything holds a grain of truth, but the truth doesn’t usually exist in the extremes or any one position.? It tends to exist somewhere in the middle.? With effort, the truth can be found, or at least an informed opinion can be supported.

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If integrity speaks to the “what”, responsibility is about knowing when and where it is appropriate for sharing that truth – even if, and especially when, we don’t want to hear that truth.? So how do we decide who should hear the truth and when??

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Perhaps it’s the purpose that determines the when and where.? Would free speech have allowed the French monarchy to keep their heads?? There is an argument for free speech if it keeps us from sharing our concerns more dramatically than through revolution, for sure.

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My position is that when we have a compelling reason to share a truth – one that must be heard, and heard specifically by a particular audience, then there is an argument for free speech being completely free within the conditions of integrity and responsibility, making who shares it potentially irrelevant so long as it is heard.

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And that takes us back full circle to Carlson on the stage.

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If the premise for needed integrity is true, then we may ask, "Does Carlson have the right to share his opinions with the world?" ?Does he represent who he speaks for?? And will his audience understand the nuance of personal opinion versus authority-to-represent when they hear what he says, coming from a global stage??? After all, in most countries free speech is retained by those with authority – those in power.

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Surely, we don’t want to believe that only those in power have that right.?

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So, we might ask, “What was Carlson’s purpose for being on that stage?”? Was it to self-aggrandize?? Or was he expecting some response from the audience, to garner alignment for the greater good?? Or did he just not appreciate the import of his situation and the impact it may have?

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I can’t say for sure, but I expect it had more to do with self-aggrandizement and lack of appreciation of the situation than anything to do with a greater good.? But I’m open to correction.

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And finally, this leads me to think that perhaps the greatest disservice that has been offered by social media is that it’s providing a platform for free speech, without the understanding of the importance for integrity, responsibility and purpose before speaking.?

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As a result, we’re seeing angst within our country.? And now taking it to the world stage, especially today, seems an irresponsible act.? Does that mean we need to censure what people say??

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I hope not.?

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Today, we have more access to knowledge, thought, and information than ever before in history. I believe there is no excuse for being irresponsible for finding the truth of things - as boring, calm, and unemotional as the truth may be.

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Instead of censorship, we need to help people to understand and learn how to use the power of the pen - and the keyboard - in a productive, thoughtful and purposeful way.? It may be the only way we will retain, what I believe is our most valuable, inalienable right -? the right to free thought and free expression through free speech.