What does Freedom of Speech mean to you?

There is no question what-so-ever that having the opportunity of what is commonly referred to as ‘freedom of speech’ is indeed just that-an opportunity. Speaking anywhere, albeit in the WC (restroom) or at a State function, or in front of students or one’s local football club is not a right simply because one has a voice. It is a privileged opportunity we call a right.

 

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.

 

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. (Ye olde publik gaol!)

The ‘freedom of speech’ clause in the Bill of Rights is without question the most misinterpreted and misunderstood portion of a very simple contract between a people and their governing documents.

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 and good conscience.

As always it is of the utmost importance for one to realize manners, ethics, customs, and good conscience when endeavoring to engage in their rights and opportunities. Indeed nothing more so than with speech and expression.

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 was adopted by the nation and the people of Australia. I lived there for many years and did all the legal residency requirements as designated by the Commonwealth and, on time! There happened on many occasions when being the only American amongst Aussie’s the opportunity to bad mouth the United States rose for me far more than once. However, it may be a right…but is it right to go spewing my mouth off in the name of freedom in my newly adopted country? Sure I had to use much conscience and restraint. 

And as sure as I was adopted by Australia, given her track record with the indigenous people there–Aboriginals—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? In essence what I am asking is this: although one has a ‘right’ to speak, is it ‘right’ for one to cause pain and suffering to another because they have the ‘right’? I say No!

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.

Therefore, surprise me and write me a comment with either all 4 clauses or the ones you know, deal?

What does this ‘Freedom of Speech’ mean to you anyway? Share with me and our audience what this opportunity and right means to you.

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

Want to see it? Click on the X.