The Importance Of Freedom Of Speech In The United States

On Decemeber 15, 1791, the First Amendment was passed along with 9 other amendements in the "Bill of Rights." The purpose of these amendments were to address the concerns of the Anti-Federalists that the "U.S. Constitution" did not protect the citizens from the government infringing on their rights. The Freedom of Speech is defined as the right to express any opinions without censorship or restraint and has been at the center of many heated cases in the United States and across the world.

I believe free speech in America is slowing depleting even though the first amendment of

When the Constitution was created, the first amendment stated that everyone in the United States has the freedom of speech; including Christians. Recently, there have been cases where Christians are being persecuted for their faith shown through what they have said and/or have done. This shows that Christians’ free speech is being violated.

To be an American, it means that you can be whoever you want. It means that no matter where you come from, you can be who you want to be. It means to have freedom.

Even though the United States has the first amendment, the right of freedom of speech, there is a limit to that right in which the Government then can step in. The Government has to have a motive to need to step in and block or not share certain information. One extent is if the information contains context that puts the Nation's National Security in jeopardy. The Government has not been telling us more about the war that we have been in, and has also given us false information to keep us thinking that we know what is happening in places like Iraq.

As people of the United States, since we were first formed, we have stood up and put our hands over our hearts for those who have lost their lives for our country, but as time has passed, some of us have stopped standing and or putting our hands over our hearts and holding up fists instead. Is this such a bad thing to do? We as people are required to do the same thing and live the American dream. Every. Single. Day. Ever since preschool or kindergarten, we are supposed to stand up, say the pledge and do it with our hand over our heart. There have been some issues with students sitting down or holding up a fist at the side of them, this is seen as a problem, but as always, there are two sides to everything.

Australia is one of the countries with the free speech concept implicated in its constitution as because there is no such case where constitutional protection is provisioned . In the United States we can see a wider constitutional protection regarding the freedom of speech whilst in Australia it is quite different. The libel actions have got a significant role in the matters of public affairs as being the regular arsenal of political combat in Australia . As indicated by the laws in Australia the power of parliament has also got limitation regarding the free speech in some specified places which has been found out by the research made . The offensive behaviour in public is also prohibited according to the Summary Offensive Act Section 6 .The

A poll was done in 1991, where it was found only 33% of adults knew what the point of having the bill of rights was for. Also, only 19% of adults know that the first amendment includes freedom of religion. Out of how many of those people realize that our soldiers fight for these freedoms so we can continue to have a successful country? People today should know why soldiers go out to war and what they fight for. The government should uphold no cruel and unusual punishment, freedom of speech, and freedom of religion to honor soldiers who gave their “last full measure of devotion” and to ensure “these dead shall not have died in vain”.

In many countries around the world, the right to freedom of speech has been upheld for citizens. Freedom of speech is the idea that any person can express their opinions without being punished. In the United States freedom of speech has been declared an unalienable right to every citizen. This was declared when the United States was founded hundreds of years ago. This declaration has yet to be made for every place in the world. There are still many people who are being oppressed by their country’s government or other organizations. Everyone should have the right to freedom of speech, but many people are censored.

I believe in the freedom of expression and the ability to have your own individual beliefs. America is a nation founded on the different cultures, races, and religions of its citizens consist. As Americans, we have rights such as the First Amendment that allow freedom of speech and religion, and I believe that we should be able to voice those beliefs no matter what they are. Everyone has their own opinion and that is okay. To be fair to all citizens, I strongly believe that everyone should be allowed to non violently voice their beliefs no matter if everyone agrees with them, or no one agrees, and should not be penalized for doing so. Not only is it just fair if everyone is allowed to express how they feel, but it is a crucial aspect of positive growth and change as a country and forming of new learning opportunities.

Freedom of speech is protected by the First Amendment that comprises what we refer to as freedom of expression. Freedom of speech is the foundation of an American democracy and without freedom of speech Americans would not have the right to vote. Freedom of speech means that an individual can debate or have an opinion with issues going on in America. Although freedom of speech in America gives Americans the right to have their voices heard and to have an opinion in American politics, it is still very limited. There is an abundant amount of Americans that are not able to exercise their first amendment right because of protesters who rally at speeches to stop an individual from exercising their right. There are constant issues over who has the right to do what, and who has the right to say what is right. The American government clearly believes that some people should have rights, but others, such as immigrants or students on campuses do not deserve to. Two articles that were featured in USATODAY, one article that was written by Shanta Driver, “Freedom of Speech Is a Diversion: Opposing View”, is addressing the right of illegal immigrants in America. The second article, “Campus Mobs Muzzle Free Speech: Our View”, written by The Editorial Board, argues the respect of freedom of speech on college campuses. Both articles appeal to the audience’s logic or logos appeal by stating their opinions on why freedom of speech is America’s greatest threat.

The first amendment of the United States’ Bill of Rights states “Congress shall make no law... prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech,”. Freedom of speech tends to be the most appreciated part of this amendment, while also causing the most anger. Most hate speech is protected under it, causing loads of controversy of the years. If the speech is not active fighting words threatening the livelihood of somebody, you’re allowed to say whatever you want. A landmark case in confirming this was the 2010 case of Snyder v. Phelps; the fight between the family of a soldier killed on duty, and America’s most hated family.

What exactly entails of freedom of speech? It is the right to communicate fully your ideas and opinions without having to be afraid of how the government will retaliate or censor your words or sanction by the society at large. To have your own ideas put across rightly is a precious thing owing to the rights of humans. Freedom of speech is a right given to all Americans through the bill of rights, freedom from speech is not.

Campuses across the country have seen the rise of student protests against speakers over the recent years and several examples have turned violent. This is just one of the many issues involving free speech on campuses. As colleges and universities try their best to avoid controversy and disruption, free speech is put under pressure by policies that both limit and harm it. Regardless of whether they are legally allowed to do so, aren’t colleges and universities obligated to protect free speech? Without free speech protecting the communication and exchanging of ideas between students, higher education is just like primary/secondary education but with higher level courses. Many colleges and universities are guilty of obstructing free speech through policies aimed to take control of it: three common ways campus administrations dictate the limits of free speech are by implementing free speech zones that confine free expression to physical boundaries, involving security and police to supervise protests, and even disinviting speaker’s that were already invited. They may take these actions to prevent disruptions to the learning environment, but the result of their rules and regulations inhibit their students’ intellects, even though they pay tuition to learn at their schools.

Regulating free speech is as tricky as juggling an egg. Not a easy subject at all it takes time and focus to really perfect and master it .Freedom of speech is in the first amendment of the united states constitution ,it is “the right to articulate your ideas without having fear of the government”. Although that is what it states , you still cannot do and say as you please and anyone who thinks other wise is naive .