Free Speech Can Cost Everything, And It Should

It has become glaringly obvious in 2021 that most Americans have no idea what what the First Amendment of the US Constitution means.

For years now, education and awareness regarding our protected Rights as ensconced in the sacred US constitution have been debated, misunderstood and ultimately abused by those who believe these rights can be blindly weaponized and wielded without consequences. Much like the other Freedoms of expressions situated within the First Amendment, Freedom of Speech, alongside Freedom of Religion and Freedom of the Press, the intentional limitations structured by the Framers of the document are frequently misinterpreted by some to leverage as permission to impose upon or even assault others while, ironically, denying them their own right to respond.

In the era of Trump, the First Amendment and the protections it offers has frequently been shouted from the bellowing throats of misguided radicals and antagonists who have likely never bothered reading the document they so confidently use as a personal shield. They believe that the US Constitution affords them the unhindered privilege of extolling hate and lies from the cushion of their soles, impede on the safety of others and that they are exempt from accountability.