Free speech is noisy, messy, and open for even bad or offensive ideas and questionable positions allowed to compete in the world of public discourse. You can say almost anything as long as you’re willing to accept the consequences such comments create. People will disagree. They may hate you, defriend you, or even attack you personally. But in America, thanks to Trump, you’re once again free to express your views.
Wikipedia provides a helpful perspective on freedom, “Freedom of speech is the political right to communicate one's opinions and ideas. The term freedom of expression is sometimes used synonymously, but includes any act of seeking, receiving and imparting information or ideas, regardless of the medium used.”
Government does have limits. It restricts certain speech, such as libel, slander, sedition, copyright violations, and hate speech, justified under the “harm principle”—when one’s expression adversely “harms” another party. Being offended is not “harm;” it’s but an emotional reaction that all at times experience. “Harm” is certainly easily asserted, but it is often exaggerated.
In fact, I’m offended by people who are easily offended. President Donald Trump and Elon Musk are now accustomed to being hated for their positions and actions, but they are strong and confident enough to handle it. Such attacks go with the territory for an effective political leader who truly values open communication. Only when you can handle attacks will you be able to actually surface messages you may need to hear. Silencing strong criticism is not embraced by good leaders. They make those who confront them safe from consequences. They want to hear all voices. Why? Sometimes those who disagree with you are right.
I remember my great uncle on the farms of Illinois who loved to say, “When one person calls you a horse’s ass, don’t worry. When three people do, go out and buy a saddle.” As a president, you multiply that number by millions. Politics invites disagreement. Good politicians can handle it and still function with the focus required to deliver on your campaign promises.
There remains a strong division in America today, and, at times, it spills over into a barrage of hateful comments. But to embrace freedom of speech, we must accept the harsh reality that discord, divisiveness, and hate will always be with us. Today, it may even be increased by the immediacy of our communication on social media. There is no delay. If you don’t like a statement, emotion is unleashed and hateful comments abound. In most cases, that just intensifies the division, distance, and counter attacks.
Thankfully, the First Amendment ensures that much of this offensive speech is not restrained, punished or otherwise censored by the government. We have freedom to confront and disagree, even when done poorly. This is not to say that such emotional statements are wise. The most influential people know the importance of waiting for emotion to give way to thoughtful discourse. But even when we do it poorly, we must continue to affirm the importance of freedom of speech.
Evelyn Beatrice Hall was the first to coin the phrase: "I disapprove of what you say, but I will defend to the death your right to say it." Let’s learn to disagree without being quite so disagreeable, but let’s never let verbal attacks silence us. We have been blessed to live in a country where we have the right to disagree. Exercise and defend that right. The appropriate response to hate speech is more speech, not forced silence.
In his book, The Case for Democracy, Natan Sharansky writes: “If a person cannot walk into the middle of the town square and express his or her views without fear of arrest, imprisonment, or physical harm, then that person is living in a fear society, not a free society. We cannot rest until every person living in a ‘fear society’ has finally won their freedom.”
Allowing the free flow of ideas and criticism is a cherished gift of liberty. America still passes the “Public Square Test.” A citizen can criticize a President, Christians, gay marriage, abortion, Sharia Law, and op-ed columnists and not be put to death by tyrannical authorities. May it always be so.
President Trump is no shrinking violet. He can give strong criticism and handle receiving it. Trump’s America passes the “public square test.” Democrats will not be kicked off social media for attacking Trump, Musk, or any of his administrative team.
Unlike Biden, Trump has the confidence that can handle such attacks. That means, go ahead and express your views on X and Facebook. Compete in the arena of ideas. A vibrant and free America can handle such discourse. Free speech is invaluable, and, under Trump, it is back! So, the answer to any hate speech you hear is not forced silence for opponents; the answer is in encouraging more speech. In fact, as a free American, participate yourself by responding honestly to this column. May it be so.
Terry Paulson is PhD psychologist, professional speaker, and author of The Optimism Advantage and his new political novel, The Summit. Contact him at terry@terrypaulson.com.
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