Tuesday, April 1, 2008

What does Freedom of Speech mean to you?


There is no question what-so-ever that having the privilege of what is commonly referred to as ‘freedom of speech’ is indeed just that—a privilege. Speaking anywhere, albeit in the WC or at a State function, or in front of students or one’s local football club is not a right. It is a privilege.

Moreover, just because a person has this auditable device known as a voice does not necessarily mean they can run around using it muttering words. Nope, I am sure this is NOT what the Framer’s had in mind at all.

The ‘freedom of speech’ clause in the Bill of Rights a.k.a. the first Ten Amendments to The Constitution of the United States is without question the most misinterpreted and misunderstood portion of a very simple contract between a people and their governing documents.


In fact, I’m not 100% sure if I have ever met anyone who (a) could name the other 4 clauses in the 1st Amendment to the Constitution, or (b) has done any independent research on why it was so emphatically important as to what they truly meant when they debated, sweated, hashed-out, wrote, revised, debated again, and ratified the document—only if all 13 states agreed or at the very least—had to have the Bill of Rights included.

Believe me, there wasn’t too much more than the Founder’s disliked other than someone taking a foul shot at the newly formed United States of America. Without equivocation, stating things against the country, or its elected officials in a derogatory fashion—’sedition–most wanted them to be either hung or put in the stocks, gallows, or in a public jail in the center of town.

As much as the Founder’s and their supporters wanted too, these statesmen and citizens also realized that more than anything they had to demonstrate responsibility.


About refugees, political asylum, or defectors: Running one’s mouth off to the detriment of a nation that took you in when they didn’t have too, illustrates to me, the ungrateful, uneducated, and selfish person that is and always will be.

I realize that this is a problem that I have personally; I am an American but was literally adopted by Australia insofar as that’s the way they are. Although I disagree with hoards of things that have gone array in the United States—immigration for one—I still will not stand up in another’s country and bad mouth America. And as sure as I was adopted by Australia, given her track record with the indigenous people there—I absolutely will NOT stand up and state foul bits about her. Sure, I have a perceived ‘right’ to do so; however, is it a ‘right’ to act and speak irresponsibly with malice against a nation, people, or government that’s done so much for you?

What does this ‘Freedom of Speech’ mean to you anyway?

Beginning a multi-part series on the First Amendment of the United States Constitution.

Want to see it? Click on the X.

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