Should we continue to have freedom of speech?
Without freedom of thought, there can be no such thing as wisdom- and no such thing as public liberty without freedom of speech. Benjamin Franklin
Benjamin Franklin argued that freedom of speech was essential for all members of society to be free. Today that is readily accepted and codified in law and most human rights statements. But is this true today, and if so, what does it require of the author and recipient? This may still be true today if the author and recipient think first. Before the author writes or speaks, they need to consider the effects of what they are saying (self-consensus), and the recipient has to think and discern whether what he receives is true or not.
Today, we can write or say anything. The government caused the hurricanes in Florida. Haitians in Springfield are catching and eating all the cats and dogs of their neighbors. Neither pass my truth test, but some people will believe them. Unfortunately, in today’s computer internet days, it is all too easy to spread misinformation and lies.
This places a tremendous burden on each of us to think for ourselves. But we are lazy thinkers. We simply check the source and say it must be right or wrong because of who said it. It is time for the masses to get off their asses and start thinking for themselves. Recognize that all sources have a bias and contain a kernel of truth. It is my responsibility to decide what is true and false.
How do we make it easier for the public while retaining the right to free speech? First, as a writer, it is my duty to censor my writing to ensure it is factual, and if it isn’t, then discard it. Of course, if you write fiction and everyone knows it, your need to self-censor is vastly reduced. The reader or listener must read and decide if they agree, and if not, question or enter into a debate with the author.
Here is a list of questions to use as you read or listen to others.
- What or who is the source? Who said it?
Is the source one you trust to be unbiased and describe both sides of an argument? My best source for this news is tangle.com is one which I like along with the 1440 newsletter.
- Why are they saying it?
The why is very important. Are they just shocking about getting followers on an app? Are they trying to influence you to think they are good and someone else is terrible? Are they trying to influence you to vote how they want you to? They are likely just trying to influence you to think like they do. So we have conspiracy theorists, climate change naysayers, etc. Don’t just accept what someone tells you; ask questions and verify whether they are right or wrong.
For example, we have unhoused people in our town. Many of them have been carrying their few belongings around in shopping carts. However, a few of them have been violent and have harassed people and businesses. The police chief and city council, under pressure from the companies that were being harassed, passed an ordinance to take away all the shopping carts from every unhoused person, whether they were trouble-makers or not. This labeling and actions against a population subset is a prime example of wrong-thinking. What they have failed to realize is that just as we have done with races and immigrants, we must recognize that we are all people, each with their own story.
- Does it make sense?
When we ask ourselves whether something makes sense, we must judge based on our beliefs, upbringing, and biases. For example, I find most, if not all, of the conspiracy theories I hear nonsense. Climate change is real and easily observable by all, yet some still claim it isn’t happening. Trump lost the last election, whether he admits it or not. Election ads are extremist visions of what their opponent believes.
- Are they trying to influence me to do something I don’t want to do?
The best example is the advertising blitz for all products or positions.
For example, “new and improved” packaging probably means they changed the color of the packaging. Why is the newer version of the Apple watch, iPhone, or computer better at getting the job done? It isn’t. But many of us succumbed to the advertising blitz and bought the newer version.
- What’s the evidence?
Those claiming climate change isn’t real probably tell themselves that temperatures fluctuate constantly. So, this isn’t anything new. But those who look at all the information know differently. Their evidence is flawed.
- Do you want to believe it?
This is the ultimate question: After answering all the questions above, does it make enough sense to you to become a believer?
Each of these questions will help you decide whether to believe it. But only if you get off your asses and start thinking for yourself!
This week, the most important thing for you to do is make informed choices and vote.
