Eight Values of Free Expression

 In the United States of America we hold dear the freedom of speech. It is the first amendment of the constitution, and a very important amendment. This amendment lays the groundwork for the type of civilization the founding fathers wanted the United States to become. Hundreds of years later we have forgotten how important this amendment is to our way of life. The government has attacked this amendment by censoring individuals for their opinions, and in some cases preventing scientists from suggesting new treatments potentially ending lives that didn’t have to end. Freedom of speech is how the government is kept in check by ordinary everyday citizens, and we must do everything in our power to ensure we keep this amendment. The day that we no longer have freedom to speak our minds is the day our government becomes tyrannical, our civilization dystopian, and the last bastion of freedom crushed. It is very critical therefore to educate fellow citizens on the importance of the first amendment lest a doomsday fall upon us. We must remember the 8 values of free expression. These are the reasons why we have freedom of speech. The first value is the marketplace of ideas. This value states that we must have an open marketplace for all ideas. If we have such a marketplace the truth will overcome the lies, and become stronger because of it. When the truth is faced with a lie it becomes stronger having been tested, and shown to be true. Thus by having an open market of ideas we can create a society of strong truths. The second value is participation in self government. This is the act of knowing the truth about politicians by the way they talk, and present themselves. If politicians are not restricted in what they say, then we can get a better view of who they are. We can then make more informed decisions when the government doesn’t restrict our information. The third value is stable change. The first way to prevent violence is to let people vent their frustrations. When the government doesn’t let angry citizens express themselves is only bottling up the societal pressure, and hoping it doesn’t one day burst. When there is freedom of speech we can have stable change, and not violent insurrections. It is therefore in the government's own best interest to let people vent their frustrations. The fourth value is individual self fulfillment. This is the value of letting people express themselves to find like minded peers to build groups with. The fifth value is the check on governmental power. This is very important to do because the government has all of the power in society, and so much so that they can take away your life. If the citizens are not keeping the government in check it will become a tyrannical establishment of evil. We must have the freedom to report on governmental wrongdoings, and the right to vote for change. The sixth value is to promote tolerance. This value rests on the idea that a society with freedom of speech will end up more tolerant. When people are faced more with ideas that challenge their ideas they become more tolerant of the opposing ideas. The seventh value is to promote innovation. By allowing ideas to flow freely we can create a more active society. By not censoring ideas we can promote good ideas, and collaborate to create new inventions or let talented inventors do their work. The eighth value is protecting dissent. We do not live by mob rule, and we must be allowed to criticize the government. The value which resonates most with me is the marketplace of ideas. I also see it in place today.

Supreme Court

 What did you learn about the Supreme Court that you didn't already know?

Each supreme court justice serves an average of 16 years. There have been over 100 supreme court justices. The supreme court can strike down an act of congress that is unconstitutional. The supreme court receives about 7,000 cases per year.

What is the most important take-away point about the Supreme Court?

They deliberate in private, they are a model for courts, and are the most powerful judicial body on earth. The supreme court denying to take a case does not mean anything about the case or against the case.

What was the most surprising thing you learned?

They are legitimized by the constitution, but their power comes from the faith of the people that they remain impartial. 

How did the video change the way you thought of the Supreme Court?

This video made me think of the supreme court as more independent than I had originally thought.

Top 5 Sources

I avoid getting my news from mainstream news providers like major news stations. I believe most of what is being said in these news channels are either propaganda, panic inducing, or a very small amount of helpful information. I get my information from the 5 sources below:

1. YouTube: Youtube.com

I get most of my news from channels on YouTube. These channels include Decoy Voice, Matt Walsh, Ben Shapiro, Sky News Australia, Donut Operator, penguinz0, Robert F. Kennedy, Isaac Butterfield, Buddy Brown, Colin And Michael, and Apologetics Roadshow. I would recommend this news source because of its in depth analysis.

2. Friends

I usually get my most important information from my childhood friends. We have a discord group chat that is about 5 years old where we talk about and post news sometimes. Most of the time it is not so, but the most important news usually gets through.

3. Family

Whenever my parents hear about something big they usually tell me about it. If it is big enough I might get a call or text about it. They usually link to a YouTube video. My dad is usually the one to send me messages of YouTube links to famous podcasts. I would recommend this news source because of its personal connection.

4. Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/

I usually scroll on Instagram if I am waiting for something. Sometimes when I am waiting in line at the mail room. Sometimes an account I follow for news pops up and I listen to it. I like this news source because of how up to date it is. I would recommend it because the news sources are up to date.

5. Word of mouth

If I don't hear about something from one of the above sources I will hear it from this source. I may hear it from someone I just met, or someone on the street.