The Cost of Free Speech

Johnny-on-the-Spot … by John Foster …

The First Amendment to the Constitution of the United States says, “Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting; the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition to Government for a redress of grievances.”

Often referred to as the “Freedom of Speech” amendment, this document essentially guarantees that the Government cannot take away your fundamental rights to freedom of speech, religion, the press, assembly and petition.

Speaking of petition, that right does not require the Government to respond or even listen to the request.

However, it does not mean you can yell “Fire!” in a crowded location.

It does not protect things like exciting violence or defamation.

Seems to be a lot of that in the news today.

There’s a thing called the Internet that makes that provision “murky” at best.

I’ve always thought that the convenience of a mode of communication should somehow contain a provision of responsibility as to what you can and/or should say.

I’ve held a belief that just because you can say something, should you?

Today’s modern media gives a voice to anyone who can access it.

It’s great because some who used to not be heard can now be heard.

But with no “BS” or “fact filters” employed, a thought or idea gets presented to way more people that it used to whether it’s factual or not.

Folks are tempted to spew an opinion and distribute it and it’s consumed before anyone takes the time to validate the idea.

Gosh, if it’s on the Internet, it must me right!

That’s a dangerous matter.

There’s another issue that pretty much started with E-mails.

Someone can fire off a response and say something in relative anonymity that I’m not convinced they would say to my face.

That’s not good.

It does not lead to frank and open discussion and we could use some of that today.

It brings me to another personal standard.

Just because you read or hear about it doesn’t necessarily mean that’s the prevailing majority opinion.

Having worked in the print and electronic news world, I’ve learned that what actually makes it “news” is something that is the exception to the norm.

While most of us do “good things”, it’s the people who don’t that dominate the headlines.

But if you believe everything is bad because of what you read, watch, or hear, you are forgetting that good behavior can be boring.

There used to be an old newspaper axiom, “If it bleeds, it leads!”

There’s a reason for that.

We want to think that our lives are better than those we’re hearing about.

However, today with 24 hour news sources the standard, we are bombarded by “news” whether it’s news or not.

By definition, news is “newly received or noteworthy information, especially about recent or important events.”

Two important words in that definition?

“Noteworthy” and “important”.

There was a time when a news “bulletin” was an important piece of information.

But, anymore, in our 24 hour news world, “bulletin” really means “different” or “fresh” and has little to do with the “newsworthiness” of the topic.

Anymore, I’m pretty much “Ho-Hum!” when I see “Breaking News” flashed before my eyes.

It’s sort of like the little boy, crying “Wolf!”:

If everything is a bulletin, what happens when there’s really something big?

It’s why I don’t like 24 hour news sources.

Some of that information doesn’t carry much weight on the news scales.

But I close with some true local news.

A dear friend of mine, A. C. Reeves has passed away.

For a number of years, A.C. served as commander of the Bartholomew County Veterans Honor Guard.

It’s the local unit that does the rifle salute and taps and before presenting the U.S. flag to a surving member of the veteran’s family.

He asked my if I’d like to become a member.

If nothing else, A.C. was persistent one.

Years ago, before I retired from full-time employment, A.C. first broached the topic with me and I finally relented.

It has proven to be one of the most personally gratifying activities I’ve ever been involved with.

So I owe a lot of to A.C and I will miss him as he rides off on his motorcycle through the gates of Heaven.

Job well-done, soldier!