Often in politics, there is the right side of an issue and a wrong side. But without our God-given freedom of speech, how would we, as a diverse nation, find common ground with one another and solve problems?
Our First Amendment is not just a protection for those wishing to express offensive views. It also allows each of us to have our own beliefs and be protected from discrimination that might result from those beliefs. “No right was deemed by the fathers of the Government more sacred than the right of speech,” said Frederick Douglass.
Unfortunately, some individuals in our country seem to fear hearing opinions with which they don’t agree ─ attacking everybody in disagreement as Uncle Toms and racists ─ destroying the reputation and influence of those who stand in their way to fundamentally transform America into a communist country.
The Left despises people because of their conservatism. As an example, young Conservatives find themselves unwelcomed on high school and college campuses. They are vilified by Marxist-Liberal teachers, professors and administrators and physically assaulted by Leftist students.
Marxist-Liberals are quick to brag about their acceptance of diversity ─ involving different social and ethnic backgrounds, different genders and sexual orientations. However, they are hypocrites when it comes to welcoming “diversity of thought”. And, let us not forget about elected officials who are willing to pass laws that encourage intimidation.
Allowing free speech without intimidation or repercussions lets us come together and discuss the problems facing our nation – hearing out the other side and arguing each position’s merits and flaws. When an idea is openly shared, it creates dialogue and generates more ideas. Without free speech, racial healing in America is not attainable.
Without having the ability to speak out against social injustice and acts of appalling atrocity, evil will flourish. Frederick Douglass understood the significance of this particular point very well. In his 1860 article entitled, The Plea for Free Speech in Boston, Douglass reminds us that free speech has the power to advance the cause of freedom by bringing wicked and immoral conduct to light, as well as maintain it once it is established. He wrote, “Liberty is meaningless where the right to utter one's thoughts and opinions has ceased to exist. That, of all rights, is the dread of tyrants. It is the right which they first of all strike down. They know its power.”
“Slavery,” wrote Douglass,“cannot tolerate free speech.” And I might add, Marxist-Liberals are outright tyrants. They fear the immense power of free speech; therefore, they work toward silencing Conservative voices by any means necessary.
Thank you, God, for the liberty message of Frederick Douglass. A former slave, his perspective about liberty is compelling and necessary for the times we are living in.
Frederick Douglass-ISM defeats Marxism in all respects.
A former member of President Trump’s Coalition Advisory Board, KCarl Smith is the President and CEO of KCarl Consulting Group, empowering freedom advocates with the confidence, knowledge and skills to trump the race card. His column appears every Thursday in 1819 News. To contact KCarl or request him for a speaking engagement go to http://kcarlinc.com/bookingsandfees . The views and opinions expressed here are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the policy or position of 1819 News. To comment, please send an email with your name and contact information to Commentary@1819News.com.
