Everyone's Opinion Newsletter

What gives you the Right?

The United States Constitution!

Bill of Rights, Amendment I:

"Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the government for a redress of grievances."

Attention! It is your right to speak your opinion to your elected officials. Tell us what's on your mind and we will make sure that your voice is heard by the very people elected to listen to you. We will put your opinion into our printed newsletter and website, email it to our mailing list, and mail it directly to over 50 local elected officials. Your opinions about local matters, community, civic, and things that elected officials can do to improve your life in Blair County are what we are looking for and what we encourage.

At no cost to you, you may utilize this service and be heard by clicking on Submit Your Opinion. Learn more about Everyone’s Opinion Newsletter here: About.

Values Served by the Protecting of Free Speech

1. The Discovery of Truth
This value was first suggested by Milton, who first suggested that when truth and falsehood are allowed to freely grapple, truth will win out.

2. Facilitating Participation by Citizens in Political Decision-Making
It has been suggested that citizens will not make wise and informed choices in elections if candidates and proponents of certain policies are restricted in their ability to communicate positions.

3.  Creating a More Adaptable and Stable Community (The "Safety Valve" Function)
It is suggested that a society in which angry and alienated citizens are allowed to speak their mind--"vent"--will be more stable, as people will be less likely to resort to violence.  It has also been pointed out that allowing the alienated and discontented to speak freely enables government to better monitor potentially dangerous groups who would otherwise act more clandestinely.

4.  Assuring Individual Self-Fulfillment
Free speech enables individuals to express themselves, create an identity--and, in the process perhaps, find kindred spirits.  Freedom of speech thus becomes an aspect of human dignity.

5.  Checking Abuse of Governmental Power
As Watergate [and the midnight pay raise], and all the other "gates" demonstrate, freedom of the press enables citizens to learn about abuses of power--and then do something about the abuse at the ballot box, if they feel so moved.

6.  Promoting Tolerance
It has been argued that freedom of speech, especially through our  practice of extending protection to speech that we find hateful or personally upsetting, teaches us to become more tolerant in other aspects of life--and that a more tolerant society is a better society.

7.  Creating a More Robust and Interesting Community
A community in which free speech is valued and protected is likely to be a more energized, creative society as its citizens actively fulfill themselves in many diverse and interesting ways.

Blair County, Be Heard! Exercise your free speech now by clicking on Submit Your Opinion or contact your elected officials by using our Reference Page.

Suggested Readings: 

Publius, the Pseudonym and Poetry
By: Carole Lucock

The Trial of John Peter Zenger: An Account

By: Doug Linder

This Page’s Content found at: www.law.umkc.edu