What "Freedom of Speech" is and is not:
“Freedom of speech”
So, today I’ve been seeing a lot of nonsense about “there’s no ‘freedom of speech’ anymore.” This post addresses misconceptions about the first amendment.
1. “Freedom of speech” refers to the right you have as an American citizen to say whatever you want without fear of GOVERNMENT censure or criminal liability. There are some limitations, but largely you can express any viewpoint you wish, even “hate speech” or the view that certain people or groups should not be allowed to live or that they be executed. You cannot be imprisoned for saying or printing or artistically representing whatever views you wish to express.
2. You may not incite violence or cause laws to be broken by your speech. Charles Manson is in prison for speaking in such a way as to convince others to kill people. You may not yell “fire” in a crowded venue because people will likely come to harm in attempting to move themselves to safety.
3. Private companies like Facebook and Twitter (or Parler) can decide to suspend revoke your membership and not let you use their platforms for ANY REASON THEY WANT. They are private companies, and just like you can decide what language can be used in your home or if you want a guest to leave your home, they can decide they don’t want certain language on their site or they want you off their site. They are not the government. They have every right to exercise their free speech and disallow certain language or users. You are welcome to set up your own website and allow or not allow whatever speech or members you want.
4. “Freedom of speech” does not absolve you from the consequences of your speech/views. Your company may be able to fire you for expressing your views. Your friends and acquaintances can desert you. Your shopping places may ban you from their business. Your dog groomer can decide not to accept your business and you’ll need to find another dog groomer. None of these consequences involve your freedom of speech because none of these consequences are the government doing anything to you.
5. You have as much freedom of speech as you always have had. Your freedom of speech is intact. The government will not fine or imprison you for any opinion you have or share. Other individuals, media companies, communities, acquaintances are NOT the government and they have free speech, too. Their actions are not those of the government. If you are being threatened by a government official or government office with a fine or imprisonment for your opinions, contact a good lawyer and the national news...you’re about to be very rich and the most famous person on the planet.
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