Why Do Americans Have No Longer Freedom

1. The measure of a great society is the ability of its citizens to tolerate the viewpoints of those with whom they disagree. As Voltaire once said, “I may disagree with what you have to say, but I will defend to the death your right to say it” (Columbia). This right to express one's opinion can be characterized as “freedom of speech.” The concept of “freedom of speech” is a Constitutional right in the United States, guaranteed under the First Amendment to the Constitution:

Since the founding of the United States of America, freedom has been the basis of the governmental and ruling systems in place. Individual freedoms are protected in both the Bill of Rights and the rest of the Constitution, and Schwartz (2009) explains that ‘public liberty ultimately enhances collective rationality—it is a path to heightening our wisdom by increasing access to pertinent information and improving decision making’ (p. 409). However, there have been many times in history when the true freedom of citizens is called into question. There has always been controversy about how much power the government should have, who is keeping the government in check, and if citizens are properly informed about what their elected governed are doing. The passing of the Patriot Act in 2001 was no exception to this controversy. The

How much we value the right of free speech is put to its severest test when the speaker is someone we disagree with most. Speech that deeply offends our morality or is hostile to our way of life warrants the same constitutional protection as other speech because the right of free speech is indivisible. However, in recent years, the right to free speech is one of legal and moral ambiguity-What separates offensive free speech from dangerous or threatening (and presumably illegal) hate speech? Under the First Amendment to the United States Constitution, every American citizen should be entitled to the right of free expression, thought, and speech. While free speech, including racial, sexist, or otherwise prejudiced remarks, must protected no matter

After reading the transcript of the speech, “The Spirit of Liberty”, given by federal judge for more than 50 years, Learned Hand, who served most of the time on the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit in New York, my idea of what it means to be an American was slightly shifted. The statement made by Hand which really caught my attention was, “What do we mean when we say that first of all we seek liberty? I often wonder whether we do not rest our hopes too much upon constitutions, upon laws and upon courts. These are false hopes.” I agree with Hand in the sense that the constitution can only serve purpose to our country if we, as Americans, learn to be truly accepting.

All you ever hear about in the news lately is people getting in trouble for speech. Many Americans embrace freedom of speech for the same reasons they embrace other aspects of individualism. Freedom of speech is the right to defiantly, robustly and irreverently speak one's mind just because it is one's mind. Freedom of speech is thus bonded in special and unique ways to the human capacity to think, imagine and create. Conscience and consciousness are the sacred precincts of mind and soul. Freedom of speech is intimately linked to freedom of thought, to that central capacity to reason and wonder, hope and believe, that largely defines our humanity (Smolla).

Freedom in the United States has become increasingly constricted since 2001. Not only did the terrorist attacks of September 11 have a drastic effect on the U.S. economy, but our nation 's response has tested the limits of America 's core freedoms.

The First Amendment, freedom of speech, has proven to have made a tremendous impact on our history and the course we have taken. Our country has been transformed throughout history to appreciate the different cultures, religions, and traditions; from a simple act as speaking up to what we think is right we have seen our nation grow and prosper. As citizens, we are entitled to express our opinions and this right must be respected. However, we have taken advantage of this amendment. Nowadays, freedom of speech has become more destructive than supportive. Freedom of speech means giving everyone a chance to speak up; this does not give us the right to harm other individuals.

As Stated by Robert F. Kennedy, an American politician, in his Day of Affirmation Address, the first and most crucial element of our individual liberty is our freedom of speech and the right to express our ideals. It seems following the terrorist attacks from September 11th people became scared and frightened that such a thing could happen, an now people are losing

Centuries ago in American society, individuals were not granted the free will to act and speak freely. First Amendment rights allowed citizens to do so. On a historical outlook, the oppressed fought for the rights of various groups in the United States. Although laws and situations evolve, groups in America continue to face inequality and issues with freedom of speech. There is room for further improvement; freedom for all citizens needs to be fulfilled. The impression of being free is what gives the United States the ideology of being a part of a democracy. Recent events have revealed issues with freedom of speech and questioning about what kinds of speech is protected. In order to close the gap in

The First Amendment states that a person has the right to freedom of speech, freedom of religion, and freedom of press. Although these things are clearly stated in the constitution, these rights are beginning to be compromised, and taken from the American people. Many people in America are not able to say their views in fear of offending someone else with the comments. This is a problem that many people are facing especially on the right side of the political spectrum. Some people believe that people should not be able to speak their minds in public places, but that is wrong because the constitution states that any person has the right to say what they want to.

In the United States we enjoy many freedoms. There are many place throughout the world that don’t allow you to live your life with the flexibilities that a United States citizen may possess. These right are given by the Unites States constitution has made this country become pioneers of innovation, and cultural development. Having a right to express yourself and your ideals have made this the home of immigrates with the ambition to develop into major contributors in modern society. One freedom we enjoy, I would like to discuss in this paper is freedom of speech. Freedom of speech is one the world’s most sort after rights but as of lately it has been under attack stating it may cause national security issues. In this paper we will look at the development of the First Amendment and how newly enacted laws that will cause the government to label people or groups enacting this rights as extremist.

Being land of the free is what America is known for. Our Freedom and Fundamental Rights are the reason many people become Americans. A quote that defines this core belief that best comes from Patty Sermersheim of Twinsburg, Ohio, she states “America is freedom of opportunity, freedom of speech, freedom of religion, freedom to who you want to be who you truly are” (“What Unites Us?”). Who doesn’t want to be who they truly are? This is what we all thrive for and the reason many want to live the American life. To be able to speak out against the government and question everything is sometimes taken for granted. Not every country allows their citizens to do this. In America we also do not have an official religion and are allowed to put our faith in what we chose it to be or not to be. I couldn’t imagine as a catholic not being allowed to pray and practice my religion. If my country did not allow this I would not feel welcomed or loved by my country. Another quote that goes well with this core belief is from Yoyo Ferro of Atlanta, Georgia, he states “I feel like there’s something that’s missing right now that would unite us eventually, and it’s patience … also [being] open-minded. Really listen to the other side” (“What Unites Us?”). Without freedom of speech then we would never have the opportunity to hear this other side of opinion from most. In a government without freedom of speech we become close-minded and lose unity. A close-minded society is a society that suppresses the thoughts of its people. As an American you have to realize you do not always agree with your fellow Americans but this is okay and its encouraged to speak up your own opinion. I agree with Yoyo that we are currently missing patience to unite us but I believe that it’s a growing process this unity that we want to reach. My last quote from Freedom and Fundamental Rights is from Matt Bradford of Nicholasville, Kentucky, He

To the eyes of many Americans, kneeling while the anthem is being played and the flag is being shown is disrespectful. Blood and sweat has been sacrificed for our flag and for us that live in this beautiful country. These same soldiers fought for a place where we can walk safely, we can speak without fear, and for our Constitution.

Everyone is entitled to their own opinion, “Freedom of Speech” as the First Amendment of the Constitution states, however, just like you said “destroying properties” does not justify whatever it is they are protesting for. I agree with you, someone will always be angry and feel that their rights are not being respected; I don’t think that people will ever come to a total agreement on certain issues, at least not on this world. The Ten Commandments were removed from public schools because someone was offended by it, just like removing "under God" from the U.S. Pledge of Allegiance. As a Christian myself I believe that my rights of freedom of religion are not being respected, when on the other hand someone that is not a Christian can care

On this world today free speech has been a standout amongst the most battled after rights in the United Conditions of America. The right to speak freely was received on December 15, 1791. The right to speak freely is secured by the main correction in the Constitution of United States, which is the privilege to explain one’s suppositions and thoughts without dread of government countering or control, or societal endorse. Free discourse is imperative in the public arena since we are allowed to create as individuals and end up noticeably mindful of what is happening around us. The right to speak freely played an extremely vital part in how and our identity today and is the principle motivation behind why we