KEY POST #1 - Speech Theories

Eight Values of FREE Expression

- Protect Dissent -

"We must dissent because America can do better, because America has no choice but to do better."  - Thurgood Marshall

Following a discussion on First Amendment Law, the significance of (1) Marketplace of Ideas, (2) Participation in Self-Government, (3) Stable Change, (4) Individual Self-Fulfillment, (5) Check on Governmental Power, (6) Promote Tolerance, (7) Promote Innovation, and (8) Protect Dissent was adequately highlighted. 

Each value of Free Expression is vital for the fulfillment of our First Amendment liberties, including Freedom from Religion, Freedom of Religion, Freedom of Speech, Freedom of the Press, Freedom of Assembly, and Freedom to Petition the Government. These concepts continue to underscore the nation's foundational beliefs and the powerful intentions of our Founding Fathers. As citizens, it is both our right and duty to uphold these fundamental values.

After analyzing each of the eight principles, I placed immense importance on Protecting Dissent. This value was heavily emphasized by James Madison and his language throughout the First Amendment. Similarly, Steve H. Shiffrin, a well-known First Amendment theorist, emphasized its value in his 1999 publication, Dissent, Injustice and the Meanings of America.

According to Madison and Shiffrin, Protecting Dissent highlights the importance of safeguarding minority opinions, regardless of vulgarity, hatred, or societal popularity. These protections extend toward our Constitutional right to criticize the government's actions, polices, and conduct.

Protecting Dissent has proved its cruciality in the occurrences of one's day-to-day life, famous historical events, and the well-being of our future world.

In particular, the Plessy v. Ferguson (1896) case showcases a key milestone, featuring Justice Harlan's dissenting opinion. Justice Harlan argued that the "separate but equal" doctrine was a complete violation of the Fourteenth Amendment and the rights of African American citizens. Despite the belief's initial backlash, it became the concurring opinion in Brown v. Board of Education (1954). In 1954, the Supreme Court ruled that the "separate but equal" doctrine was unconstitutional, infringing upon the Equal Protection Clause. 

Additionally, this value was crucial during the Women's Suffrage Movement. During a period of limited representation, women fought tirelessly for their liberties, specifically, the right to vote. Although granting suffrage was considered an "unfavorable" opinion, the Constitution protected women's right to assemble and petition. Protecting Dissent allowed prominent female figures (e.g., Susan B. Anthony) to object and prove women's competency. Due to these efforts and the efficiency of Protecting Dissent, the 19th Amendment was passed on June 4th, 1919.

Furthermore, Protecting Dissent is vital when criticizing White House officials and their corresponding actions. Unlike other nations, the United States Constitution ensures that citizens are free to express these condemning thoughts. This liberty has been utilized during the Civil Rights Movement, following President Trump's actions in Venezuela, and succeeding President Obama's air strikes against Libya. Without the Protection of Dissent, the First Amendment would be ineffective, limiting our Freedom to Petition.

In the United States, our nation is categorized as the world's "melting pot." This label underscores the beauty of our differences and the vitality of their expression. Although the phrase traditionally highlights our contrasting backgrounds, races, and ethnicities, it signifies our differing political ideologies, religious beliefs, etc. These contrasts connect to the importance of Protecting Dissent.

Moreover, Protecting Dissent is significant for the expression of personal viewpoints. This can include beliefs on the COVID-19 Pandemic, elements of pop culture, potential warfare, election candidates, and other constantly-evolving global issues. 

Without this value, there is an immense risk of government censorship, which would limit our free society. This threat has been viewed throughout the COVID-19 Pandemic due to the actions of the Biden Administration. With the vaccination's release, the White House was actively censoring doctors and scientists on several social media platforms. Their accounts were often deactivated with threats of losing their licenses, preventing professionals from spreading contrasting findings or medical warnings. The pandemic was a key crisis that outlined the danger of censorship. 

Overall, the Eight Values of Free Expression, specifically Protecting Dissent, represent the beauty of our nation. Today, and in the future, we must safeguard these concepts, emphasizing our connection to the First Amendment and the nation's foundational beliefs.