How Free Should Speech Be Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words

How Free Should Speech Be - Essay Example Nat Hantoff writes, â€Å"But nowhere in the First Amendment does it say that freedom of speech is limited only to ideas and symbols that further freedom, dignity and nonviolence.† Freedom of speech remains the pivotal assurance for the American society given by the founders of the constitution. Freedom of speech is like the double-edged sword and it is the twice-blessed responsibility. It blesses the receiver and it blesses the giver. Often the authorities have to walk on the razor’s edge to enforce the provisions of the freedom of speech when interests and cross interests of the different communities are involved. As such it is necessary to understand the scope of the word ‘freedom’ in the correct perspective. Its connotation also varies from one area to another. Philosophical freedom includes the ability to make choices without limitations, while political freedom is the state of being free to practice the choice of one’s political philosophy. Nat Hantoff quotes Aryeh Neier, â€Å"As a Jew, and a refugee from Nazi Germany, I have strong personal reasons for finding the Nazis repugnant. Freedom of speech protects my right to denounce Nazis with all the vehemence I think proper. Despite my hatred of their vicious doctrine, I realize that it is in my interest to defend their right to preach it.† Many positive developments have taken place in the area of freedom of speech for an individual or for a group of individuals professing and practising identical ideals.