Protecting Freedom of Speech: The Importance of the First Amendment in a Democratic Society

In a true democracy, the price of individual freedom is the bedrock upon which society stands. Countries like Venezuela and Russia may claim to be democracies, but they offer little to no freedom, particularly when it comes to expressing private thoughts in public. In these regions, political opponents face imprisonment, whereas in the United States, attempts to imprison political opponents are met with greater scrutiny. However, when a government can punish individuals for expressing their thoughts, legal protections, including the 2nd Amendment, also become meaningless.

The First Amendment and Practical Use of Free Speech

The First Amendment is crucial for the functioning of a democratic society. It ensures that individuals can freely speak against existing laws, policies, or constitutional provisions. This is essential for changing policies based on the will of the people. For example, the victimization of Julian Assange, who revealed evidence of corruption, is precisely what the First Amendment was designed to protect. The failure of the First Amendment to adequately safeguard free condemnation of illegal or corrupt practices within the U.S. administration highlights its need for practical implementation.

Human Rights and Their Challenges

After the right to life, the right to speak one's mind fearlessly and the right to travel and gather freely are among the most fundamental rights a human being possesses. In the United States in 2020, there was a sustained assault on these fundamental human rights. Conservatives often highlight attacks on freedom of speech, but the situation this year saw individuals arrested or imprisoned for what they said. This underscores the misconception about the First Amendment, which only protects against government retaliation for speech, not private actions.

Amendment Under Assult

Three provisions of the First Amendment have faced particularly severe attacks from governments. The first is the freedom of religion, which includes the prevention of the establishment of an official religion and the free exercise thereof. While the explicit part of this clause is clear, the implicit part has been repeatedly violated. Churches have been ordered to close and even where they were allowed to remain open, their capacity was severely restricted. In some communities, singing was outright forbidden, and religious gatherings were fined. The Bill of Rights does not provide for the suspension of these rights in the event of a pandemic or natural disaster.

Peaceful Assembly and Protests

The right to peaceful assembly is another key component of the First Amendment. This right involves the right to leave one's home and the right to gather with others as long as the public peace is not breached. Both of these rights were selectively enforced in 2020. Protests were allowed in some places, but at the same time, other activities like outdoor dining, church services, and dining out were restricted. If the government can issue and enforce "stay at home" orders, then logically, these should also apply to protesters. This selective enforcement raises questions about the consistent application of constitutional rights.

Conclusion

The First Amendment is vital for a democratic society to function properly. Its principles ensure that citizens can challenge and change existing laws and policies without fear of reprisal. The current challenges to these rights in the United States highlight the need for strict adherence to the principles of the First Amendment. Failure to protect these fundamental freedoms can lead to the erosion of democracy. The successful implementation and enforcement of the First Amendment ensure that our democratic system remains strong and resilient.