Freedom of Speech
And Freedom to Put Those Thoughts into Words on the Internet
I have been thinking a great deal about the Freedom of Speech lately. I believe we take it for granted in America and it should be one of the things we give thanks for everyday.
Working for a small-town newspaper that truly prides itself on accurate publishing to cover the news, I am enjoying my freedom. My employer allows me the liberty to choose the subjects that I am covering for my Human Interest column and cover only those events that touch an emotional chord with our readership. I am developing a reputation of being the "Good News Reporter" and I love that.
I am reminded of the weight of free speech from a quote by an American journalist, Heywood C. Broun, (1888-1939), who once said:
"Everybody favors free speech in the slack moments when no axes are being ground."
Mr. Broun worked for the American Newspaper Guild back in the early 1920s.
Perhaps his legacy is his syndicated column, It Seems to Me, in which he was always quite clear that it was his opinion only. We would later call those "Editorials" today and they express the opinions of the writer with the intent to cause folks to think about a subject, any subject, in a manner that perhaps wouldn't otherwise be expressed.
When you have a differing opinion with someone, it can often result in an argument or worse. But when you are reading an Op/Ed piece, you cannot strike out against the writer - at least not physically.
We enjoy Freedom of Speech in America and for that, I am eternally grateful. I can say what I want to say, share what I want to share and express myself in words on the Internet or just open my mouth and shout it out.
In the end, I choose to be accountable to a higher power who guides my steps and my words.
"Keep your tongue from evil
and your lips from speaking lies." (Psalm 34:13)
Sources:
http://studentpages.scad.edu/~hmccal20/viciouscircle/broun.html
http://encyclopedia2.thefreedictionary.com/columnist
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Heywood_Broun
http://research.hrc.utexas.edu/bookshopdoor/signature.cfm?item=209#1
Published by Michele Starkey
Optimist who enjoys writing, laughing and spreading good news. If I have but one life to live, I hope to make mine memorable. My epitaph will read: she lived, she loved, she left. View profile
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60 Comments
Post a CommentTrue words and a great reminder.
I agree with you completely
Very excellent as always.
In so many ways, I feel we forget our freedom to think for ourselves. It is really scary that more people don't ask why instead of getting sucked into mob mentality.
Well done and said Michele, thank you...
Excellent....great title.
Good job on being the 'good news reporter' - every newspaper needs one of those!!
Appreciate the proverb :)
I love your article on free speech. I long for the day when discussion happens in respectful, civil, and open minded ways. We all have something to learn from each other, but it takes courage to listen and, sometimes differ, with respect. I'd love to see this happening more in our political, religious, social, and other discussions. I like your idea of "being accountable to a higher power." God can speak, even in disagreement, if we'll only listen. Great article.
Wonderful!:-) We all need more good news!