Free Speech???

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Posted: 07/24/08
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Free Speech???
"Congress shall make no la w respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances." – The First Amendment
Perhaps the most important basis for a free society is the right of free political and religious speech. In every totalitarian society there is an oppression of these two foundations of freedom. Why? The answer is simple. Those in power who have a tyrannical motivation are afraid the masses may be swayed by ideas that are contrary to their indoctrination. Thus any opposing ideas become the weapon of freedom that must be stopped. The basic understanding of the power of free speech was recognized by our founding fathers as a deterrent to tyrannical government. Our founders learned from history. The various aristocracies of Europe proved that centralized power produces what is politically correct to say and not say. This then leads to the "common people" being in bondage to those who rule them without their consent. In other words, if you can't challenge the idea of tyrants there is no alternative to their dogma, and therefore a movement to overthrow the oppression cannot be formed.
Since our foundational principles of liberty were founded upon a thesis -antithesis mind-set (right and wrong), there is an obvious problem with how said principles translate in our post modern relativistic culture. You see, with the new post modern thinking, there are no absolutes, and since there is no absolute right and wrong, it is difficult to hold to the declared principles of the right to free religious and political speech. Due to this relativistic thinking problem the society is bending concerning these rights. That is a fact that should scare anyone who holds "these truths to be self evident." The abridging of free religious and political speech is an affront against the liberty of all. Why is it a problem for all? It is a problem for all because once the freedom is gone it is gone for everyone. When a system turns to tyranny, all people are caught in its grip and become part of the totalitarian system.
Due to the insanity of the left, liberals, homosexual activists, and rabid race baiters, it has now become more acceptable to limit the freedom of political and religious speech. The idea that the government should have the right to punish people simply based on their thoughts and ideas is a complete abandonment of the Constitutional principles this nation was founded on. I am a Christian. There are many people who do not like Christians and say so. There are many who even use vile language to describe their hatred for me and yet I defend thei r right to do so. They do not have the right to slander me personally (slander meaning lie about me and slander my character), but they do have the right to speak their opinions about Christianity, as well as about any position I take. I would never support any legislation that would limit their right to speak their mind in any private setting. There are limits for example of what may or may not be appropriate in a given job setting, but the basic rights of freedom of thought and speech must be protected. Those who want the so called "hate speech" legislation are directly attacking one of the most sacred freedoms we have. The truth is that you have a right to hate me but you do not have a right to act out on that hate in any way that violates my person, property, or rights. You see, we must not legislate thoughts or we are destined to have all free thoughts at risk.
Those of you who are reading this who believe in "hate speech legislation" need to rethink your position. Who gets to decide what "hate" is? Do you want the government running around punishing people for what they say and think? What happens when someone decides that your speech is hateful? Are you ready for them to limit your thinking and expression? In order for freedom to work, there must be the right to speak unpopular positions without threats and intimidation from the government.
The first amendment of the Constitution says "Congress shall make no law." How is it that Congress is attempting to make a law limiting the speech of Americans? How is it that so many people seem to think that this is a good idea? Why is there no outrage from the masses about this blatant attack on our foundational liberties? Why? Because most people have no idea what the Constitution says or why it says it. Most Americans have been dumbed down to the point where they simply do not grasp the principles of liberty that America was founded on. If the idea sounds good many uninformed people support it without thinking of the unintended consequences. Most of us would agree that it is not a good idea to be mean. We all know that words can hurt people. Having said that, the negative consequences of making a law banning people from saying something religiously or politically offensive is unacceptable. I will never submit to any law that limits my God given right to speak politically or religiously.
It is clear what is really going on in the push for "hate speech" legislation. The left wants to stop preachers from preaching against homosexuality. There is also a Gestapo like insanity against anyone who would dare to criticize a racial minority. If for example a person is speaking out against affirmative action racial preferences, who's to say that is not hateful? If my speech offends you, that is the price of freedom. If you do not wish to pay that price, I suggest you move to one of the many totalitarian states where your every word and movement are controlled. As for me, I agree with one of our great American historical figures Patrick Henry who said the following:
"Gentlemen may cry, Peace, Peace -- but there is no peace. The war is actually begun! The next gale that sweeps from the north will bring to our ears the clash of resounding arms! Our brethren are already in the field! Why stand we here idle? What is it that gentlemen wish? What would they have? Is life so dear, or peace so sweet, as to be purchased at the price of chains and slavery? Forbid it, Almighty God! I know not what course others may take; but as for me, give me liberty or give me death!"
To trust the government is madness. One must never put his trust in the government for his own safety, nor th e safety of his family. It is not in the nature of government to regard its citizens as more important that it's self. Government when limited by the original Constitution of the United States of American can be a blessing. However, without the principled citizenry taking responsibility for itself all government leads to tyranny! Since Americans depend on government more each day the war against our liberty has begun. Some of us are fighting against the powers of tyranny. I hope you join us in the fight for the heart and soul of our country before the powers of socialism and liberal social decay completely overtake us. Wake up and smell the truth. The time to fight is now!
Dr. David M. Berman Senior Pastor, Author, Convention Speaker 211 Whitcomb Road P.O. Box 10357 Swanzey, NH. 03446 Phone 603 352 9471
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