Real Freedom of Speech

I read a transcript of a Socialist tried in February 1919, under the Sedition Act of May 16, 1918, for writing a pamphlet called The Great Madness in 1917. His name is Scott Nearing.

While I disagree with many of his assertions and conclusions, and I disagree with the philosophy of Socialism, Communism, Liberalism and most if not all isms, his depiction of what free speech really means, is compelling.

The only way to have intelligent public opinion is to have discussion, and the moment you check discussion you destroy democracy. ... The only way in which we can preserve democracy is to reserve to every citizen of the democracy the right to express the convictions that he has: the right to be right and the right to be wrong. The Constitution does not guarantee us only the right to be correct, we have a right to be honest and in error. And the views that I have expressed in this pamphlet I expressed honestly. I believe they are right. The future will show whether or not I was correct, but under the laws, as I understand it, and under the Constitution as I understand it, every citizen in this country has a right to express himself — subject always to the law, subject always to the limitations which the law prescribes — has a right to express himself on public questions. The moment any administration enters and shuts down that right, that moment democracy ceases to exist. ...

I am an American, my ancestors have been Americans for more than 200 years. As an American I have certain rights and certain duties. Among my rights under the First Amendment to the Constitution are the rights of free speech and the free press; the right to speak and print the convictions that I have. It was for those rights that our ancestors left Europe and came here. It is for those rights that some of us are contending today.

I do not care for the prosperity of this country if we are going to have gag laws. I care not for the wealth of this country if we are going to be forbidden to have free speech, and an opportunity for expressing our minds and expressing our opinions and discussing the great issues that are before us. ... In America we want liberty. And I believe that as an American citizen, that is the dearest possession for which I can contend. That is my right constitutionally and legally. But if there were no constitution and no law, it would be my right as a member of a democratic society.

... Citizenship involves duties as well as rights. ... When I believe that our country is in danger, our common life and our common liberties are in peril, then it is my duty to warn you, it is my duty to speak out and continue to speak out as long as I have an opportunity to do so....

Gentlemen, I want to say to you that I want to see America free. I want to see liberty, opportunity and democracy here, as well as in every other country on earth. As long as America is not free, you are not free and I am not free. ...

I have expressed my hopes, my ideals, my ambitions for liberty in America, and for brotherhood and peace among all people of the world. I have done what I could, and for the time being the matter is in your hands.

In the immortal words of Patrick Henry, "Give me Liberty or give me death." I believe that no one is truly free if their right to free speech, free thought and free expression is suppressed or controlled. You have the right to free speech, right or wrong and I have the right to listen/ignore, right or wrong.

I do, however, draw the line when it gives aid and comfort to our enemy or when you try to exercise your right on foreign soil against America. I also do not believe free speech gives you the right to harm children. Children should be protected and allowed to be children for as long as they are children. There is enough time for growing up and there are those that still need a lot more time. The Liberal party and Hollywood come to mind.

If I was offered 3 things:

1. Unending wealth
2. Immortality
3. Liberty

... I would choose liberty. There is nothing more valuable than liberty and one cannot purchase a [inalienable] right [gift of God]. One is not truly alive unless one is free. If one is not free, one would not want to live a single minute without freedom, much less suffer an eternity of suppression and control.