Unshackling Democracy: The Power of Free Expression! The eight values of Free Speech (Blog Post #3, KEY POST #1)

 Unshackling Democracy: The Power of Free Expression!

“If freedom of speech is taken away, then dumb and silent we may be led, like sheep to the slaughter.” 
― George Washington

“Censorship is to art as lynching is to justice.” 
― Henry Louis Gates Jr

In 1733, John Peter Zenger was accused of Libel, a legal term in his day meaning, a publication of information opposed to the government, in the state of New York. Zenger, a German immigrant, printed a publication called The New York Weekly Journal. In the publication, the New York governor was criticized, resulting in the Libel charge against John Peter Zenger. Famous attorney, Alexander Hamilton, rose to the defense of Zenger, resulting in a not-guilty verdict from the jury. Despite this early victory for free expression, the true freedom of speech was not fully recognized until the passage of the First Amendment. 

The idea of free expression is defined as, "the right to express any opinions without censorship or restraint." This concept is fundamental to understanding our rights philosophically as well as literally. There are eight theories that explain the use of our right to free expression. These theories include: Marketplace of Ideas, Participation in self-government, stable change, individual self-fulfillment, check on governmental power, promote tolerance, promote innovation, protect dissent. 

The theory that resonates most with me is the theory of Participation in self-government. The right to express one's political thoughts, ideas, and feelings is crucial to a democratic society. This theory was founded by a prominent American philosopher, Alexander Meiklejohn. His work is significant to the theory of free speech and its relationship to self-government. 

It is interesting to consider this theory's function in government and individualism and how it connects free speech to democracy. In Meiklejohn's theory, he claimed that free speech was essential for the functioning of a democratic society. He claimed that an important purpose of the First Amendment was to ensure that American citizens could engage in informed and meaningful political conversation. His claim was that democracy could only thrive when people have the ability to express their thoughts and ideas, as well as engage in debate. 

Alexander Meiklejohn

The concept of self-government and informed citizenship is crucial to the concept of democracy and

voting, in the way that it is crucial for American citizens to properly and meaningfully participate in the democratic purpose. Without access to various sources of information and the freedom to express opinions, citizens would not be able to make informed decisions about government and government policies. (https://jackmillercenter.org/cd-resources/alexander-meiklejohn-free-speech-relation-self-government/)

The First Amendment allows the individual to participate in self-government. Without the First Amendment, the system of the American government would not function as

it was designed— federal, state, individual. In essence, the right to participate in self-government empowers individuals to actively shape the course of their government, ensuring that the government remains in favor and alliance with the will and needs of the people.  I think that free expression ties together the concepts of individual liberty informed citizenship, and the pursuit of an equitable society. 

In conclusion, it is important to reflect on Alexander Meiklejohn's theory not only being a legal right, but a fundamental pillar of democracy.