The Laughing Wolf

Free Speech Is Never Free

Over the last few weeks, quite a good bit has been said about free speech and freedom of speech. Despite quite a few howls of indignation, it is refreshing to know that freedom of speech is alive and well in the United States of America; that freedom of speech has now come to Iraq; and, that there is still quite a cost for free speech.

Freedom of speech is alive and well in America today. We must remain on our guard to ensure that it remains so and that any onerous attempts to subvert same in the guise of homeland security or some such are identified, targeted and destroyed. That duty is one that never dies, and is simply the responsibility of any and every citizen of the republic. It may not be delegated to others, sold, bartered, or dissembled. Such is the cost of any freedom.

Despite the fact that we are at war, the Government has in no way enacted any laws to quell the many personal attacks on the President; members of the Administration; members of the military; or, on the Government itself. Indeed, despite what I see as clear and present acts of same, charges of sedition have not been proffered against those with whom such could be legitimately done. I would go so far as to say that charges of treason might could be brought against some, but no such charges have been filed. In a majority of the world, the opportunity to bring such charges against opponents and enemies would not be missed; yet, it has not happened in the United States of America.

One of the most beautiful sights you could ever hope to see has taken place in the last few days in Iraq. In a country where any dissent, no matter how mild, could result in arrest, torture, rape, and execution of the “guilty” party or their family and friends, we now see people shouting “Yankee Go Home.” That these people are not shot, arrested, tortured, or worse will do more than almost anything else to show the rest of the world, particularly neighboring countries, that we mean what we say about liberating Iraq.

It is often overlooked these days, or even deliberately misconstrued, that freedom of speech remains alive and well. Freedom of speech simply means that the Government shall enact no law restricting same. Freedom of speech has never meant that all speech is free. No where does it say that there are no access fees; no free publication; no free dissemination; and most of all, nowhere does it say that there are no consequences to free speech.

This blog is a prime example. Freedom of speech means that I have the right and the ability to purchase the domain name, rent space, buy the software, and put out the modern equivalent of a newspaper. Any citizen of the Republic can do the same. Freedom of speech does not mean, however, that the government must fund the same. Freedom of speech does not mean that I must carry any rant sent in response. Freedom of speech does not mean that if I say something libelous or untrue that there will be no consequences.

Free speech always has consequences. From the Dixie Chicks to Tim Robbins, celebrities and others are suddenly discovering that there are negative consequences to freedom of speech. Despite claims to the contrary, freedom of speech is alive. The Government has in no way enacted laws blocking them or anyone else from speaking their minds. The public may no longer buy their albums, view their movies, attend their shows, buy their books, or what not. That is not abridging their freedom of speech. It is simply exercising both a right and a responsibility.

As citizens, we have the right to vote, both in elections and with the money we earn. We can choose to reward whomever we want by purchasing their product. Do a good product, get rich. That is capitalism and the American way. Say something idiotic, or in the case of the French forget treaty obligations and such, and suddenly find out you are not as rich and as untouchable as you believed yourself to be. That, too, is capitalism and the American way. You can boycott whomever and whatever you please. Doing so is not blacklisting, despite the screams of outrage by those now affected. The government is not saying this must be done, it is simply something being done by you and me.

As citizens and most of all as individuals, this is both our right and our responsibility. The latter is oft overlooked these days, but it is time to remember it. We choose those to be rewarded and those to be punished economically by our purchases. Let’s remember this and reward those who deserve it, and withhold our bounty from those who respect neither us, or the true freedom of speech. Others have paid for this right with their blood. The least we can do for them now is exercise our responsibilities as well.

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