Every so often, I look back through my past columns and blog posts—for inspiration, and to keep from repeating myself, especially on holidays. But some of them bear repeating, particularly when something I wrote long ago is as relevant today as when I first wrote it—and sometimes even more so. Below is a column I wrote on July 1, 2004. I hope you find it worth reading now, almost 20 years later. And I hope you have a safe and happy 4^th of July weekend.

It would be easy to write a standard-issue 4^th of July column this week. I could go on autopilot and talk about the independence we’re celebrating as we enjoy our picnics, parades, and fireworks. I could remind everyone that we should never take our freedom for granted. And I could ask everyone to please remember those Americans who spend the holiday in places far from home, fighting to defend the freedoms we hold so dear.

But it’s all been said before.

Not that it doesn’t bear repeating. We should always honor the story of our nation’s birth. We should make sure our children always learn—and that we ourselves never forget—how our nation came to be free. We should remember what the cost of that freedom was, and what it continues to be.

But there’s one freedom in particular I’ve been thinking a lot about lately. It’s one of the biggies, guaranteed to all Americans by the First Amendment to the Constitution. And over the years, it’s taken quite a beating. It’s freedom of speech.

It’s not always easy or comfortable to defend freedom of speech, especially when the speech angers, scares, or offends us. I personally have difficulty accepting the concept of freedom of speech when it is used to justify someone burning a flag in protest. Or allowing a Neo-Nazi group to hold a public rally in a Jewish neighborhood. But I have to remember that anyone, or anything, that would limit their right to express their views freely could also prevent me from expressing mine.

A quote I learned long ago captures the essence of freedom of speech, even though it originally came from a French philosopher, rather than an American patriot: “I may not agree with what you say, but I will defend to the death your right to say it.”

We would do well to remember that, because when it comes to our speech, many people in this country have become pretty disagreeable with each other. It’s evident in political ads and campaigns that spend more time and money smearing and slamming opposing candidates than talking about issues and agendas. But it’s also present in many of our everyday attitudes and discussions, especially when we talk or act as though the people who have opinions different from our own are incorrect. Or unpatriotic. Or idiots.

Here’s something for you to try this weekend. It might be uncomfortable, but it could also be an eye-opening experience, as well as an exercise in freedom. Think of the person with whom you most disagree, whether it’s a political or religious leader, a talk show host or radio personality, or someone who lives down the street from you. Remind yourself that no matter what they say, you should be willing to defend to the death their right to say it.

Then let the fireworks begin.

July 1, 2023
©Betty Liedtke, 2023

I welcome your comments, but please be aware that all comments will be moderated and approved before appearing on this blog. This is to protect all of us from unwanted spam.