The freedoms granted by our Constitution are awesome and powerful for the individual. They represent hundreds of thousands, if not millions of years of human intellectual and social evolution, the apex of human thought. We have freedom of expression, to share our thoughts and criticize the government. That used to mean that you could stand on a soapbox in the town square and shout your thoughts, hand out flyers on the corner, and maybe send a letter to the editor or write a book. But, today anyone with a smart phone can send their thoughts and opinions around the world in an instant!
We are bombarded with a constant tsunami of information and points of view much from dubious sources. Some is intentionally false in order to divide us while some speak untruths to gain personal wealth and power. We are guaranteed the right of freedom of expression, but it is illegal to yell fire in a crowded theatre when there is no fire.
It is our responsibility to know the source and validity of the information we share, and if we’re not sure we shouldn’t share. Today, it’s like millions of people are yelling fire when their isn’t one! The awesome power of individual freedom of speech requires individual responsibility to to know and tell the truth. The survival of our democracy depends on it.
reilly m gray 