Freedom of speech

According to the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU), "It is probably no accident that freedom of speech is the first freedom mentioned in the First Amendment: 'Congress shall make no law...abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press, or of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances.' The Constitution's framers believed that freedom of inquiry and liberty of expression were the hallmarks of a democratic society.

"But historically, at times of national stress -- real or imagined -- First Amendment rights come under enormous pressure. During the Red Scare of the early 1920s, thousands were deported for their political views. During the McCarthy period, the infamous blacklist ruined lives and careers. Today, the creators, producers and distributers of popular culture are often blamed for the nation's deep social problems. Calls for censorship threaten to erode free speech.

"The First Amendment exists precisely to protect the most offensive and controversial speech from government suppression. The best way to counter obnoxious speech is with more speech. Persuasion, not coercion, is the solution."

Other Related SourceWatch Resources

 * anti-American activities
 * antiwar rallies
 * Central Intelligence Agency
 * Department of Homeland Security
 * Federal Bureau of Investigation
 * information infrastructure
 * International Freedom of Expression eXchange
 * Patriot Act I
 * Patriot Act II
 * Treating dissent as treason

Videos

 * "Free Speech on Television: The Adbusters Case", Adbusters.
 * "Michael Albert Interview: Part I", April 16, 2008. (In the first part of the interview Michael Albert addresses the issues of freedom of speech, internet freedom and misuse of internet.)