Blog #57; Thoughts about Freedom of Expression

 Most artists, and fiction writers included, have a vested interest in the freedom of expression guaranteed by our constitution.  Without this freedom, discourse on matters of the day, and more perennial matters, would be constrained and this would allow tyranny to gain a foothold, regardless of the intentions of the government.

We value free discourse because we see we can arrive at truths otherwise not accessible.  Do you agree?  Should we ban speakers from college campuses, regardless of their political stripe?   Perhaps the "fighting words" and "rabble rousing" limitations may have to come into effect, but otherwise, why can't calm rational people from differing points of view come together to hash out those differences?

My brother, when he was at law school, taught me about the best way to win an argument: find the values that you and the other side have in common and build from there.  Find ways to appeal to shared values and ideals.  Work towards them.  This works in the courtroom and internationally and in American trans-racial forums.   We all want to be free from harm.  To have our "safe space". To be listened to: by our leaders, by each other.  There is a serious disconnect when those in public office, the local politicians especially, ignore the vox populi.

Well, let me get off my soap box for now.   In the coming weeks, get ready for another batch of free books!