The Freedom of Speech

My fiancé and I went to the Third Tuesday Coffeehouse, a poetry workshop, held in Owensboro, Kentucky. While at the workshop we had the privilege to hear the fresh, but often-controversial voice of the local Western Kentucky poet, Ron Whitehead. Mr. Whitehead said, "Even though my ideas and writings may be different then many traditional Americans, the one thing great about America is the freedom of speech, and everyone has right to share freely his or her own opinion."

What makes America great? Freedom of speech comes valiantly rushing into my mind. Throughout America's young history the quickening of hearts and minds by others has changed the face of our nation. The leaders of yesteryear and the new vibrant voices of today share their opinions freely, shaping the face of our nation. Bright new leaders and message deliverers vibrate the heartstrings of every American through speeches and the written word, their muse, the freedom of speech.

Many men and women have died protecting the liberty of our nation; our flag stained with the blood of servicemen who have compassionately fought for the ideals of our country. When I think of America, I see the brave American, the soldier who stands up and shakes their fists in the face of oppression, protecting such freedoms as the freedom of speech. Even though many a foreign nation has tried to permanently shut the doors of independence and shoot down the symbols and icons we stand proudly for.

Brave Americans, soldiers of a different cause, constantly build bridges through messages to the masses. Even though America has had many growing pains, these monumental messages have brought America closer. Leaders of the past have left their legacy interwoven in time and the fabric of our land, meaning they were not afraid to speak out, whether the mainstream disagreed with his or her message or not. I think of Martin Luther King and his dream for equality. His message of fairness shook the essence of history, pushing and shoving the clay of equality into place.

America is one of the best countries in the world. As people of this grand nation we should always stand firm to make sure personal freedoms, such as freedom of speech is not violated. We should not yield ourselves to the tyranny of other nations; furthermore, remembering every man and every woman is created equal in the United States and everyone has the right to speak his or her voice.

As I continue to grow and walk in the footsteps of these history changing Americans, I will never forget, "Freedom is not free, and it does have a price." I thank God for America what it stands for. I challenge you to think of freedom and the freedom of speech, for every American can be proud sharing their hearts freely. Our messages can still rise high, changing the face of history, as the eagle continues to fly proudly.