I’ve been urged to do all of the following since I can remember. History curriculum urges the young, budding American to exercise their guaranteed right of expression. I am given examples of forefathers who deliberately wrote this freedom into the cement of this country’s foundation.
The government cannot condemn me for what I choose to say. This is great.
But when it comes to other citizens…well…
When I refuse to unite behind a war I deem unjust, I am accused of being unpatriotic.
When I ask why incarceration rates amongst black males are much higher than any other race, I am diagnosed with white guilt.
When I support universal health care, I am a socialist.
When I affirm my religious beliefs, I am a misguided fundamentalist.
You get the picture.
I ask: what good is freedom of speech when citizens are frothing at the mouth to condemn?
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