July 03-2006:
FREEDOM OF SPEECH:
Freedom Of Speech Defined:
Freedom of speech is the concept of being able to speak freely without censorship. It is often regarded as an integral concept in modern liberal democracies.
And notably under Article 19 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, and Article 10 of the European Convention on Human Rights.
The US Constitution:
The First Amendment to the United States Constitution is a part of the United States Bill of Rights. Textually, it prohibits the federal legislature from making laws that:
* Establish a state religion or prefer certain religion (the "Establishment Clause");
* Prohibit free exercise of religion (the "Free Exercise Clause");
* Infringe the freedom of speech;
* Infringe the freedom of the press;
* Limit the right to assemble peaceably;
* Limit the right to petition the government for a redress of grievances.
Some Positive Aspects Of Free Speech:
* Admiration:
* Encouragement:
* Patriotism:
* Freedom Of The Press-Religions & Individual:
* Judicial:
Some Negative Aspects Of Free Speech:
* Name Calling:
* Insulting:
* Blackmail:
* Inflammatory:
* Inciting:
* Non-judicial:
* Dictatorship:
Why Do I Need Permission To Speak Freely?
Words like actions can evoke or induce acts or actions, that can be harmful or pleasant for the intended victim or persons communicated to. Without certain precautions or guidelines, free speech can be devastating to many, especially those to whom such intent was directed. Governments with their established political apparatus over the centuries, have been able to control, limit, and direct the media, the commonweal, and other institutions on the preferred content of certain communications to the masses.
And the masses have also been dis-allowed in many instances, from voicing their concerns to the state, the government, and the political elected or appointed. Agitating for social-political and economic changes are considered political and radical issues in many political and cultural systems. So controls are legislated, or implemented to prohibit the volume, some sources, and frustrate those who use this means to get their messages across the political spectrum.
Others have also used the media to defame, blackmail, or indulge in libelous comments (vocally-directly, and indirectly) at their victims, inducing grievous psychological and mental injury to their victims. That is why legislation is necessary to stipulate what is acceptable speech at Public forums, the Media, and Press.
How Could We Safeguard Free Speech?
Safe-guarding free speech is an ongoing struggle in several cultures, especially those where free speech was never historically allowed. And encouraging the masses to agitate for legislation for the right to 'Free Speech' publicly, via the media and the Internet, is still dangerous in countries like China, some or most Islamic countries, and dictatorships.
But in the political democracies of the western hemisphere, this right is less challenged. Even though with the arrival of the Internet, this new technological divide that brings cultures the world over, much closer is seen by many politicians as harmful. Some strive to limit access, or prevent the free exploration of this technology. While some Internet providers are assisting the state with requests
for information about their clientele, thus creating fear for confidentiality.
Derryck S. Griffith.
Educator-Advocate & Blogger.
