This editorial, as well as all the newspaper stories that came before it in the Dispatch, are examples of writers using their freedom of speech.
The First Amendment of the U.S. Constitution protects people’s freedom of speech, which is one of the most vital parts of the foundation that the U.S. was built upon. It allows citizens to respectfully express their beliefs without being silenced or punished for it, even if those in power disagree with their message. Throughout history, everyday people, like Martin Luther King Jr. and Susan B. Anthony, have used this freedom to create change peacefully and hold those in charge accountable.
That freedom is now in jeopardy. The First Amendment has taken hits lately from different groups. People may be scared to express how they feel due to the direct political attacks on free speech or the fear mongering that has spread across social media outlets. Freedom of speech is one of the most important American rights and needs to be protected at all costs.
No Kings protests have swept across the nation, one in June and again on October 18. The point of these protests is to give the power to the people and push back on the idea of America being controlled by one “king.” This type of speech is constitutionally protected, but that didn’t stop people from going online and trying to convince people otherwise. Videos were shared online encouraging protesters to wear plain clothing with no identifying marks and to cover their faces to protect their identity. This kind of message can scare people and make them think what they are doing is dangerous when it isn’t. Well, it shouldn’t be.
According to the British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC), Trump has ordered the National Guard to multiple states, including California, Illinois, Oregon, and the District of Columbia. That had active protesters concerning a range of different issues. The National Guard is meant to assist in domestic emergencies, but none of the protests they were deployed to were dangerous or out of control. Naturally, deploying the military to average suburban neighborhoods makes people feel uneasy and keeps them quiet, even though there is no legal ground for an arrest or detainment.
The government is trying to restrict free speech in other ways, too. On October 8, USA Today reported that President Donald J. Trump and his administration supposedly “took the freedom of speech away” in regard to burning the American flag. Burning the flag has been protected by the First Amendment since 1989. Trump claims that burning the flag induces violence, but that reason isn’t concrete enough to justify an attack on the First Amendment because there isn’t any evidence that there is a direct correlation between the two. Burning the flag isn’t the most charming act, but that doesn’t mean it’s wrong and should be prohibited. Once the government starts to cherry pick what kinds of speech can be banned, it’s only a matter of time before the opinions of government officials control what the American people can say.
It’s also hard for people to feel comfortable expressing their opinions when people they see on TV are getting in trouble for it. Jimmy Kimmel was suspended for a controversial monologue back in September. In addition to this, CNN and USA Today reported that Trump has publicly stated multiple times that Jimmy Fallon and Seth Meyers need to be taken off the air. Kimmel, Fallon, and Meyers are all comedians that have made many jokes about Trump and his administration, so it’s not surprising that Trump doesn’t support their content, but they aren’t the only news outlets that are being restricted.
AP News explained that Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth imposed strict new rules and restrictions that reporters had to follow inside the Pentagon. Dozens of reporters, rather than agreeing to the new rules, left the Pentagon, deciding that leaving was better than being restricted.
Censorship isn’t always a bad thing. Some parents censor the content their young kids watch, and social media platforms censor crude or disturbing content to protect their viewers. However, censoring the U.S. Constitution, specifically the 1st Amendment, is a slippery slope and will not have desirable effects. Censorship won’t make people quiet down, it will only rile them up with anger and retaliation. Besides, quiet doesn’t always mean peace. Complete freedom of speech, unless causing direct harm to someone, is the best way for America to remain peaceful.
These attacks on free speech cannot be ignored. Freedom of speech is one of the greatest gifts the U.S. has to offer, so use your power to protect it. Get out on the streets or social media and push back on these restrictions before they spiral out of control. No one gets to take your voice away.
