What happened to freedom of speech in America?

Judge Andrew Napolitano: What happened to freedom of speech in America?: Do we still enjoy the freedom of speech if the First Amendment is repealed? This thought-provoking question raises a fundamental debate about the nature of our rights. Are they merely what lawmakers have written down, or are they inherent attributes that cannot be infringed

Judge Andrew Napolitano: What happened to freedom of speech in America?: Do we still enjoy the freedom of speech if the First Amendment is repealed? This thought-provoking question raises a fundamental debate about the nature of our rights. Are they merely what lawmakers have written down, or are they inherent attributes that cannot be infringed upon by the government? In this article, we delve into the concept of natural law and its relationship to our rights, exploring the idea that our freedom of speech exists independently of any written law. Join us as we examine the importance of this basic freedom and how it is currently under attack in various contexts. See more at Cozylocal.fi website.

The Freedom of Speech: A Natural Human Right

The freedom of speech is not just a legal protection granted by the First Amendment; it is a fundamental human right that predates the existence of any government. This right is deeply rooted in our humanity and is not dependent on any governmental permission or consensus. It is an inherent attribute that belongs to every individual by virtue of their existence. Our ability to reason and express our thoughts and opinions is what grants us this natural right. It is essential for fostering open dialogue, promoting diverse perspectives, and ensuring the free exchange of ideas in society. The freedom of speech is a cornerstone of democracy and a vital component of individual liberty.

The First Amendment and the Preexistence of Freedom of Speech

When James Madison drafted the First Amendment, he intentionally emphasized that the freedom of speech preexisted the government. By using the word “the” before “freedom of speech,” Madison sought to convey the belief of the Framers that this right was not granted by the government but rather protected from government interference. The First Amendment serves as a negative right, restraining Congress from abridging the freedom of speech. It does not grant this freedom; it recognizes and safeguards it. The intention behind the First Amendment was to ensure that individuals could freely express their thoughts and opinions without fear of government censorship or reprisal.

Rights as Indefeasible Personal Claims

What exactly is a right, and where does it come from? A right is an indefeasible personal claim that every human possesses, independent of any government or authority. It is not contingent upon a government’s permission or societal consensus. Instead, it is a universal entitlement that arises from our very existence as human beings. These rights are grounded in the concept of natural law, a set of unchanging moral principles that can be discerned through reason. Natural rights, including the freedom of speech, are inherent to our humanity and can be exercised regardless of whether the government explicitly prohibits interference. They are not privileges bestowed by the government but intrinsic attributes that every individual possesses.

Natural Law vs. Positivism


The debate between natural law and positivism lies at the heart of understanding the foundation of our legal system and the protection of our rights. Natural law posits that there are inherent moral principles that exist independently of any written laws or government authority. These principles are universal and can be discovered through reason. On the other hand, positivism asserts that law is solely determined by what is written and ratified by the government. Under positivism, there is no inherent moral restraint on the government, and right and wrong are defined solely by the government’s dictates. This fundamental difference in perspective has significant implications for the freedom of speech and other rights.

The Existence of Natural Law in the Constitution

While the Constitution may not explicitly mention natural law, it does recognize the existence of personal human rights that are too numerous to articulate. The Ninth Amendment, often referred to as James Madison’s crown jewel, acknowledges the presence of these rights and prohibits the government from denying or disparaging them. This recognition suggests that the Framers understood the concept of natural law and sought to protect these inherent rights from government interference. The freedom of speech, being a natural human right, is encompassed within this broader framework of natural law principles that underpin our constitutional system.

The Dangers of Positivism and Government Interference

Positivism, with its emphasis on the written law as the sole source of authority, poses a significant threat to the freedom of speech. If the government’s power to abridge speech is solely determined by what is written down, then there is no inherent protection for this fundamental right. Under positivism, the government can potentially curtail or suppress speech that it deems dangerous or untruthful, undermining the principles of free expression and open dialogue. This narrow view of rights places the government in a position of ultimate authority, dictating what can and cannot be said. It is essential to recognize the dangers of positivism and uphold the belief that the freedom of speech is a natural human right that should be protected from government interference.

The Attack on Freedom of Speech Today

The freedom of speech, a cornerstone of democratic societies, is facing significant challenges in the modern era. Recent events have highlighted a growing antipathy towards this fundamental right, both from the government and the public. It is crucial to examine these developments and understand the implications they have on our ability to express ourselves freely and engage in open discourse.

Recent Events Demonstrating Government and Public Antipathy


In various instances, we have witnessed government actions that infringe upon the freedom of speech. For example, a newspaper reporter in Illinois was criminally charged for asking uncomfortable questions at a public meeting, and a publisher and reporter in Alabama were arrested for disclosing grand jury evidence they lawfully possessed. These cases illustrate a concerning trend of government officials attempting to silence dissenting voices and control the narrative.

Furthermore, incidents like the expulsion of a former New Jersey State Senator from a government-owned stadium for displaying American and Israeli flags at an Eagles game, and the calls for government intervention to silence opposing viewpoints on college campuses, demonstrate a growing intolerance towards free speech. These events reflect a dangerous mindset that seeks to suppress speech that is deemed dangerous or untruthful, undermining the principles of open dialogue and the free exchange of ideas.

The Core Values and Protection of Free Speech

It is essential to reaffirm the core values that underpin the protection of free speech. The Supreme Court decision in Brandenburg v. Ohio, which emphasized that even speech encouraging violence or hatred is protected, highlights the importance of allowing all forms of speech, no matter how caustic or provocative. The First Amendment was specifically crafted to safeguard public speech in public places, ensuring that individuals have the freedom to express their thoughts and opinions without fear of government interference.

The freedom of speech is not a privilege granted by the government; it is a natural human right that should be protected from any form of censorship or suppression. Allowing individuals to freely express themselves fosters a vibrant and diverse society, where ideas can be challenged, and progress can be made. It is through the open exchange of thoughts and opinions that we can collectively strive towards a more inclusive and enlightened society.

In conclusion, the attack on freedom of speech today is a cause for concern. Recent events have demonstrated a growing antipathy towards this fundamental right, both from the government and the public. It is crucial to uphold the core values that protect free speech and recognize it as a natural human right that should be safeguarded from any form of interference. Only by preserving and defending the freedom of speech can we ensure a society that values open dialogue, respects diverse perspectives, and promotes the free exchange of ideas.

The Importance of Protecting Public Speech

The preservation of public speech is of utmost importance in any democratic society. It serves as a vital platform for individuals to express their thoughts, opinions, and ideas openly. The ability to engage in public discourse is not only a fundamental human right but also a cornerstone of a thriving and inclusive society. By protecting public speech, we ensure that diverse perspectives are heard, critical issues are debated, and progress is made.

The Moral and Legal Imperative to Preserve Freedom of Speech

Preserving freedom of speech is not just a moral imperative; it is also a legal obligation. The First Amendment of the United States Constitution explicitly safeguards the freedom of speech, recognizing its significance in maintaining a free and democratic society. This constitutional protection reflects the belief that individuals should have the autonomy to express themselves without fear of censorship or retribution. By upholding this right, we uphold the principles of individual liberty, democratic governance, and the pursuit of truth.

Furthermore, protecting freedom of speech is essential for fostering social progress. It allows marginalized voices to be heard, challenges existing power structures, and promotes social change. By encouraging open dialogue and the free exchange of ideas, we create an environment where innovation, creativity, and intellectual growth can flourish.

The Role of Individuals in Deciding What to Say and Hear


One of the fundamental aspects of protecting public speech is recognizing the autonomy of individuals in deciding what to say and hear. Each person should have the freedom to express their thoughts and opinions, even if they are controversial or unpopular. It is through the clash of ideas and the exposure to diverse perspectives that we can broaden our understanding and challenge our own beliefs.

Similarly, individuals should have the agency to choose what information they consume and engage with. By allowing individuals to make informed decisions about the content they encounter, we empower them to be critical thinkers and active participants in society. This freedom of choice ensures that individuals can access a wide range of viewpoints and make their own judgments based on reason and evidence.

In conclusion, protecting public speech is crucial for the functioning of a democratic society. It is both a moral imperative and a legal obligation to preserve the freedom of speech. By upholding this right, we create an environment where diverse perspectives can be heard, social progress can be achieved, and individuals can exercise their autonomy in deciding what to say and hear. Let us cherish and defend the freedom of speech as a cornerstone of our democratic values.

The freedom of speech is a fundamental right that exists independently of government interference. It is a natural human right that belongs to every individual by virtue of their existence. The First Amendment to the U.S. Constitution protects this right, negating Congress from abridging it. However, recent events have shown a growing antipathy towards free speech, with government and public attempts to silence certain viewpoints. It is crucial to uphold the values underlying free speech, which protect all innocuous speech, even if it encourages violence or hatred. The government should never interfere with speech based on its content, as individuals have the right to decide for themselves what to say and hear. Let us remember the importance of free speech and work towards preserving this fundamental right. To learn more about Judge Andrew Napolitano, visit https://JudgeNap.com.

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