Quotes about Free Speech

Free speech means the right to shout 'theatre' in a crowded fire. Votes: 4

Ignorant free speech often works against the speaker. That is one of several reasons why it must be given rein instead of suppressed. Votes: 4

Free speech is not to be regulated like diseased cattle and impure butter. The audience that hissed yesterday may applaud today, even for the same performance. Votes: 4

The Framers of the Constitution knew that free speech is the friend of change and revolution. But they also knew that it is always the deadliest enemy of tyranny. Votes: 4

It is a paradox that every dictator has climbed to power on the ladder of free speech. Immediately on attaining power each dictator has suppressed all free speech except his own. Votes: 4

Fear of serious injury alone cannot justify oppression of free speech and assembly. Men feared witches and burnt women. It is the function of speech to free men from the bondage of irrational fears. Votes: 4

Free Speech in the College Community is a very timely book written by a dedicated scholar of the First Amendment. Challenging and readable it should be studied by all academicians, students, legislators and lawyers. Votes: 3

You should protest about the views of people you disagree with over major moral issues, and argue them down, but you should not try to silence them, however repugnant you find them. That is the bitter pill free speech requires us to swallow. Votes: 3

We shouldn't have free speech. Votes: 2

Free speech is life itself. Votes: 2

Free speech includes the right to not speak. Votes: 2

Free speech carries with it some freedom to listen. Votes: 2

Better a thousandfold abuse of free speech than denial of free speech. Votes: 2

You know, everybody believes in free speech until you start questioning them about it. Votes: 2

If anyone tells you that you cannot legislate morality, remeber that legislation IS morality Votes: 2

Free speech is meant to protect unpopular speech. Popular speech, by definition, needs no protection. Votes: 2

Free speech is the whole thing, the whole ball game. Free speech is life itself. Votes: 2

Without free speech no search for truth is possible... no discovery of truth is useful. Votes: 2

Whoever would overthrow the liberty of a nation must begin by subduing the freeness of speech. Votes: 2

Marks on paper are free - free speech - press - pictures all go together I suppose. Votes: 2

People demand freedom of speech as a compensation for the freedom of thought which they seldom use. Votes: 2

If Thomas Jefferson had heard us, he probably would have said, 'We shouldn't have free speech.' Votes: 2

Moderate people are able to be moderate and have free speech only because there are some people on the fringe. Votes: 2

Free speech has been used by the Supreme Court to give immense power to the wealthiest members of our society. Votes: 2

To suppress free speech is a double wrong. It violates the rights of the hearer as well as those of the speaker. Votes: 2

Without Freedom of thought there can be no such thing as wisdom;and no such thing as public liberty, without freedom of speech. Votes: 2

Today it is becoming harder to speak out, with the inception of the Patriot Act, the president has legislated free speech to be a crime. Votes: 2

One of the problems with defending free speech is you often have to defend people that you find to be outrageous and unpleasant and disgusting. Votes: 2

Restriction of free thought and free speech is the most dangerous of all subversions. It is the one un-American act that could most easily defeat us. Votes: 2

Criticism of government finds sanctuary in several portions of the 1st Amendment. It is part of the right of free speech. It embraces freedom of the press Votes: 2

Both free speech rights and property rights belong legally to individuals, but their real function is social, to benefit vast numbers of people who do not themselves exercise these rights. Votes: 2

By placing discretion in the hands of an official to grant or deny a license, such a statute creates a threat of censorship that by its very existence chills free speech. Votes: 2

Even in democratic society, we don't have good answers how to balance the need for security on one hand and the protection of free speech on the other in our digital networks. Votes: 2

[Michael] Brown's mom, Lesley McSpadden, is the latest African American mother whose tear-streaked face forces the nation to remember the name of yet another unarmed black teenager gunned down under questionable circumstances. Votes: 2

I think free speech is probably the coolest thing we have in this country, and again, you can label it hate speech and dismiss it, and then you're allowed to censor it. Votes: 2

Free expression is the base of human rights, the root of human nature and the mother of truth. To kill free speech is to insult human rights, to stifle human nature and to suppress truth. Votes: 2

And a democracy can't exist without free speech and the right to assemble. And that's what Americans tend to forget. And they're born into a culture where they take all of their freedoms for granted. Votes: 2

Manchester is a city which has witnessed a great many stirring episodes, especially of a political character. Generally speaking, its citizens have been liberal in their sentiments, defenders of free speech and liberty of opinion. Votes: 2

Stand-up comedy and comedy in general is the ultimate form of free speech, because you get to poke holes in all the pretentious bubbles politicians and pundits and popes and pretenders try to float over our heads. Votes: 2

All censorships exist to prevent anyone from challenging current conceptions and existing institutions. All progress is initiated by challenging current conceptions, and executed by supplanting existing institutions. Consequently, the first condition of progress is the removal of censorship. Votes: 2

The US constitution's First Amendment rights only cover Americans, but I believe that in a democracy the competition of ideas and free speech should combat beliefs that it does not agree with - more speech and debate, not censorship. Votes: 2

You hear about constitutional rights, free speech and the free press. Every time I hear these words I say to myself, 'That man is a Red, that man is a Communist!' You never hear a real American talk like that. Votes: 2

It's always easy to get people to condemn threats to free speech when the speech being threatened is speech that they like. It's much more difficult to induce support for free speech rights when the speech being punished is speech they find repellent. Votes: 2

Everyone who is critical of Israeli policy is deluged by crazed messages intended to flood their email system or, more insidiously, passwords are accessed and messages sent out under their name! I'm sure it's illegal. It's also an effort to undermine free speech. Votes: 2

You can't have a university without having free speech, even though at times it makes us terribly uncomfortable. If students are not going to hear controversial ideas on college campuses, they're not going to hear them in America. I believe it's part of their education. Votes: 2

Now is the time to draw a clean, clear, bright line and say if you are engaging in speech over the Internet you do not have to check with your lawyer or your accountant. You are a free American, and you have the opportunity to engage in free speech over the Internet. Votes: 2

Free speech is my right to say what you don't want to hear. Votes: 1

When decorum is repression, the only dignity free men have is to speak out Votes: 1

The right to free speech is more important than the content of the speech. Votes: 1

I think, with never-ending gratitude, that the young women of today do not and can never know at what price their right to free speech and to speak at all in public has been earned. Votes: 1

Curtailment of free speech is rationalized on grounds that a more compelling American tradition forbids criticism of the government when the nation is at war... Nothing can be more destructive of our fundamental democratic traditions than the vicious effort to silence dissenters. Votes: 1

I don't know why people think that somehow the First Amendment applies to network television. It doesn't. It's like the way free speech does t apply at work. You can't just walk into your boss office and say you're a fuckface and I'm gonna go back to work now.' No, you're not Votes: 1

I definitely support free speech. Votes: 0

Free speech is a bourgeois prejudice. Votes: 0

None but the dead have free speech. Votes: 0

Free speech not only lives, it rocks! Votes: 0

I like the free-speech stuff, the political-correctness stuff. Votes: 0

Free speech in Bangladesh can get you killed Votes: 0

Free thought, free speech and a free press. Votes: 0

Think 'free speech,' not 'free beer.' Votes: 0

Speech should be fruitful as well as free. Votes: 0

In America-as elsewhere-free speech is confined to the dead. Votes: 0

Conservative pundits have a remarkable amount of free speech. Votes: 0

Comics definitely embody the importance of practicing free speech. Votes: 0

You must stand for free speech in the streets. Votes: 0

You must stand for free speech in the streets. Votes: 0

We need a free media, not just freedom of speech. Votes: 0

Free speech is the cornerstone to every right we have. Votes: 0

Free markets are a tool, free speech is a goal. Votes: 0

The remedy for the abuse of free speech is more speech. Votes: 0

Free speech isn't dead in Germany and Italy, merely the speakers... Votes: 0

Free speech is too dangerous to a democracy to be permitted Votes: 0

Free speech is a great idea, but were in a war. Votes: 0

Why, in a country of free speech, are there phone bills? Votes: 0

Free speech is meaningless unless it tolerates the speech that we hate. Votes: 0

We don't need to 'control' free speech, we need to control ourselves. Votes: 0

In a free state there should be freedom of speech and thought. Votes: 0

We travel the world, and our right to free speech is precious. Votes: 0

If there is no free speech, every single life has lived in vain Votes: 0

I don't think we should be deprived of the privilege of free speech Votes: 0

The truth is libraries are raucous clubhouses for free speech, controversy and community. Votes: 0

I don't think we should be deprived of the privilege of free speech. Votes: 0

Fear of serious injury cannot alone justify suppression of free speech and assembly. Votes: 0

Americans' right to free speech should not be proportionate to their bank accounts. Votes: 0

Any kind of restrictions put on free speech would have worse consequences than bullying. Votes: 0

It's a wise person who knows the difference between free speech and cheap talk. Votes: 0

Comedy clubs are arguably one of the last bastions of uncensored, public free speech. Votes: 0

Everybody favours free speech in the slack moments when no axes are being ground. Votes: 0

To protest free speech in the name of protecting women is dangerous and wrong. Votes: 0

Free speech does not live many hours after free industry and free commerce die. Votes: 0

A free press is one that prints a dictator's speech but doesn't have to. Votes: 0

What is the point of having free speech if you have nothing to say? Votes: 0

I hate to do anything that is going to stop or suppress free speech. Votes: 0

I'm as keen as the next person to preserve the right to free speech. Votes: 0

Aesthetic freedom is like free speech; it is, indeed, a form of free speech. Votes: 0

Whenever the human race assembles to a number exceeding four, it cannot stand free speech. Votes: 0

The common notion that free speech prevails in the United States always makes me laugh. Votes: 0

It's obvious that I come down on the side of free speech for anybody's work. Votes: 0

It is the function of speech to free men from the bondage of irrational fears. Votes: 0

The restoration of free speech, free association and free press is almost the whole Swaraj. Votes: 0

Joan Rivers broke down barriers, advocated for free speech, and never apologized for who she was. Votes: 0

One man's blasphemy doesn't override other people's free-speech rights, their freedom to publish, freedom of thought. Votes: 0

Freedom of speech means setting words free. Imprisoned and freed words are consequential. All words have consequences. Votes: 0

Politically popular speech has always been protected: even the Jews were free to say "˜Heil Hitler.' Votes: 0

I'm defending free speech pretty much all over the place because you still have freedom of speech. Votes: 0

The best legacy I can leave my children is free speech, and the example of using it. Votes: 0

Worrying that banning flag desecration would inhibit free speech reveals a misunderstanding of the flag's fundamental nature. Votes: 0

The person who has the strong ownership of free speech is the one who owns the press. Votes: 0

I always think the true test of free speech is when someone says something you don't like. Votes: 0

I'm a free speech bigot. I don't like censorship; I just don't think it's a good thing. Votes: 0

We need a constitutional amendment to allow the legislature to control the so-called free speech rights of corporations. Votes: 0

Where there is a great deal of free speech there is always a certain amount of foolish speech. Votes: 0

Corporations have free speech, but they can't speak like you and me. They don't have mouths or hands ... Votes: 0

Democrats haven't been this upset about an American engaging in free speech since Juanita Broaddrick opened her yap. Votes: 0

Aggressive civil disobedience should be confined to a vindication of the right of free speech and free association. Votes: 0

Free speech has a very small constituency on the modern campus, particularly if the speaker under attack is conservative. Votes: 0

Homo-sexuals should not be censored, but neither should those who oppose their point of view. That's called free speech. Votes: 0

Depending on your political orientation, the Dixie Chicks are either the great defenders of free speech or American traitors. Votes: 0

Take free speech: most of the tough cases on free speech involve very unpleasant people saying very obnoxious things. Votes: 0

Free speech is meaningless if the commercial cacophony has risen to the point where no one can hear you. Votes: 0

Beyond all the other reasons not to do it, free speech assaults always backfire: they transform bigots into martyrs. Votes: 0

All the big powers they've silenced me. So much for free speech and choice on this fundamental human right. Votes: 0

America is a great place, speech is free and you're able to expose the fact that you're an idiot, Votes: 0

There is a fine line between free speech and hate speech. Free speech encourages debate whereas hate speech incites violence. Votes: 0

Fashion is free speech, and one of the privileges, if not always one of the pleasures, of a free world Votes: 0

The first amendment ensures not that speech will be fair, but that it will be free. It cannot be both. Votes: 0

The privilege of the grave: Its occupant has one privilege which is not exercised by any living person: free speech. Votes: 0

Free speech exercised both individually and through a free press, is a necessity in any country where people are themselves free. Votes: 0

The Ku Klux Klan stands for free speech, free public schools, the open Bible for our people and for 100% American citizenship. Votes: 0

Maybe when they no longer receive Sierra magazine in their mailboxes, journalists will understand how campaign finance reform abridges free speech. Votes: 0

The first amendment protects free speech, but if you don't have freedom of thought, do you really have freedom of speech? Votes: 0

The political core of any movement for freedom in the society has to have the political imperative to protect free speech. Votes: 0

While even pornography is protected as free speech, the courts have consciously undermined religious speech and freedom of religion for years. Votes: 0

We civilians defend our own right to free speech. The military in Iraq does not defend our right to free speech. Votes: 0

Free speech is the bedrock of liberty and a free society. And yes, it includes the right to blaspheme and offend. Votes: 0

A rousing tale of techno-geek rebellion, as necessary and dangerous as file sharing, free speech, and bottled water on a plane. Votes: 0

Occasionally, the book tells stories that would likely grate on senior management "“ but that is what free speech is all about. Votes: 0

Free speech, free press, free religion, the right of free assembly, yes, the right of petition... well, they are still radical ideas. Votes: 0

Citizens United fought to defend our right to free speech - and won a great victory in the United States Supreme Court. Votes: 0

Free speech is intended to protect the controversial and even outrageous word; and not just comforting platitudes too mundane to need protection. Votes: 0

Whatever doubt there may be as to the quality or purpose of our free speech we certainly have ample volumes in production. Votes: 0

Free speech gives us the ability to react vigorously with effective arguments and expose the weakness and misdirection of the other side's claims. Votes: 0

The right to free speech is important but it isn't as important as 'we're all human beings together, let's find solutions together.' Votes: 0

Everyone asks for freedom for himself, The man free love, the businessman free trade, The writer and talker free speech and free press. Votes: 0

We need to understand that an open society and free speech and press... really are the best weapons against al Qaeda and extremism. Votes: 0

The American people, I am convinced, really detest free speech. At the slightest alarm they are ready and eager to put it down. Votes: 0

If money is free speech, the big interests are sitting in front with megaphones and the average citizens are sitting in the back. Votes: 0

Freedom of speech and of the press are essential to the enlightenment of a free people and in restraining those who wield power. Votes: 0

We must never forget that if the war in Vietnam is lost ... the right of free speech will be extinguished throughout the world. Votes: 0

The most stringent protection of free speech would not protect a man in falsely shouting fire in a theater and causing a panic. Votes: 0

The true call of the desert, of the mountains, or the sea, is their silence - free of the networks of dead speech. Votes: 0

Hong Kong has a reputation for freedom in spite of the People's Republic of China. It has a strong tradition of free speech. Votes: 0

The durability of free speech and free press rests on the simple concept that it search for the truth and tell the truth. Votes: 0

I am broadly concerned about the slow death of free speech, but particularly in universities and also with regards to the climate change debate. Votes: 0

I will gladly go to jail in the name of free speech. I have no problem with what I said. Make me a martyr... Votes: 0

Obama will win the 2012 election, thanks in part to the tech community rallying behind him due to issues like SOPA, visas, and free speech. Votes: 0

There is no free speech in football. Information is parsed by monosyllabic head coaches, who dictate who gets to speak to whom and when. Votes: 0

The price of liberty is, in addition to eternal vigilance, eternal patience with the vacuous blather occasionally expressed from behind the shield of free speech. Votes: 0

We have to uphold a free press and freedom of speech -- because, in the end, lies and misinformation are no match for the truth. Votes: 0

However, they ignore the fact that the First Amendment is intended to protect only against government sanctions for exercising free speech rights, not private actions. Votes: 0

I am not content to entrust our free-speech rights to the good graces and whims of Congress and hope that politicians don't abuse their power. Votes: 0

The United States government approaches patient choice in medication as Singapore does free speech: its pronouncements sound reasonable and tolerant until you threaten its prerogatives. Votes: 0

For me, Westernization is not about consuming fanciful goods; it's about a system of free speech, democracy, egalitarianism and respect for the people's rights and dignity. Votes: 0

I believe that sensitivity to issues of race and ethnicity is important, and nuanced, even more so when it intersects with the issue of free speech. Votes: 0

Campuses that were once havens of free speech are now patrolled and regulated by thought police. Intellectual dishonesty has become a job requirement for university administrators. Votes: 0

It is not easy to describe the present position of legal opinion on advertising and free speech. Only a poet can capture the essence of chaos Votes: 0

Freedom of speech means setting words free. Imprisoned and freed words are consequential. All words have consequences. Restrain and release words with respect for their consequentialness. Votes: 0

Nor was it only from the millions of slaves that chains had been removed; the whole nation had been in bondage; free speech had been suppressed. Votes: 0

It is not easy to describe the present position of legal opinion on advertising and free speech. Only a poet can capture the essence of chaos. Votes: 0

These are all voluntary resources which help parents sort out the choices without infringing on the artists' rights to free speech, which is something that we respect. Votes: 0

These are all voluntary resources which help parents sort out the choices without infringing on the artists rights to free speech, which is something that we respect. Votes: 0

Criticism of government finds sanctuary in several portions of the 1st Amendment. It is part of the right of free speech. It embraces freedom of the press. Votes: 0

I think people loosely use the term 'free speech.' If the market wants to be such that people don't want to watch someone, so be it. Votes: 0

Advocates of 'free speech' often repeat the mantra that the best response to bad speech is more and better speech, not the suppression of the bad stuff. Votes: 0

Supreme Court opinion notwithstanding, corporations are not defined as people under the Constitution, and free speech can hardly be called free when only the rich are heard. Votes: 0

We really don't have free speech protections. I mean, if it exists, there are rules about it. If it exists, it is regulated in Europe, you know? Votes: 0

We are unalterably opposed to the presentation of the female body being stripped, bound, raped, tortured, mutilated, and murdered in the name of commercial entertainment and free speech Votes: 0

It is my responsibility to make sure that the fear is overcome"¦ "This attack must instead free our speech about Islamic fundamentalism. We must not be silenced. Votes: 0

In many respects, the United States is a great country. Freedom of speech is protected more than in any other country. It is also a very free society. Votes: 0

Free software' is a matter of liberty, not price. To understand the concept, you should think of 'free' as in 'free speech,' not as in 'free beer'. Votes: 0

So far as I am concerned I have no doctrinaire belief in free speech. In the interest of the war it is necessary to sacrifice some of it. Votes: 0

The United States is a land of free speech. Nowhere is speech freer - not even here where we sedulously cultivate it even in its most repulsive form. Votes: 0

I believe America went wrong in terms of respecting the First Amendment, the state of free speech on American college campuses and on the media and in academia. Votes: 0

I don't see how the study of language and literature can be separated from the question of free speech, which we all know is fundamental to our society. [p.92] Votes: 0

Satire dramatizes better than any other use of it, the inherent contradiction of free speech that it functions best when what is being said is at its most outrageous. Votes: 0

Poking fun at other people's beliefs, while it may seem frivolous and offensive, is a non-negotiable right. It is a principle that underpins free speech, the basis for progress. Votes: 0

In terms of political contributions, the free speech rights of corporations I don't think deserve the same protections as the free speech rights of real living, breathing, voting humans. Votes: 0

The basis of the First Amendment is the hypothesis that speech can rebut speech, propaganda will answer propaganda, free debate of ideas will result in the wisest governmental policies. Votes: 0

Of course, the new domestic paramilitary forces will also undermine free speech and dissent with the threat of force while simultaneously threatening core civil liberties, rights and civic responsibilities. Votes: 0

In terms of political contributions, the free speech rights of corporations I dont think deserve the same protections as the free speech rights of real living, breathing, voting humans. Votes: 0

Nobody is capable of of free speech unless he knows how to use language, and such knowledge is not a gift: it has to learned and worked at. [p.93] Votes: 0

Nobody is capable of of free speech unless he knows how to use language, and such knowledge is not a gift: it has to learned and worked at. [p.93]" Votes: 0

All Citizens United did was to level the playing field for corporate speech. We now have, I think, the most free and open system we've had in modern times. Votes: 0

Democratization is not democracy; it is a slogan for the temporary liberalization handed down from an autocrat. Glasnost is not free speech; only free speech, constitutionally guaranteed, is free speech. Votes: 0

Free speech rights means that government officials are barred from creating lists of approved and disapproved political ideas and then using the power of the state to enforce those preferences. Votes: 0

Religious liberty doesn't include encouraging a fellow American to engage in violent jihad and kill an American here. That is not protected free speech. That is not protected religious belief. Votes: 0

Corporation: a miniature totalitarian state governed by a hierarchy of unelected officials who take a dim view of individualism, free speech, equality and eggheads. The backbone of all Western democracies. Votes: 0

What yells out at the US public . . . is the incandescent hypocrisy of so many people who, in the name of free speech, persecute its practitioners if their opinions are conservative. Votes: 0

The thing I have come to find astonishing is that people from all political sides routinely say that the Internet has to be the model of free speech and freedom. Votes: 0

Arguing that you don't care about privacy because you have nothing to hide is no different than saying you don't care about free speech because you have nothing to say. Votes: 0

I should say here, because some in Washington like to dream up ways to control the Internet, that we don't need to 'control' free speech, we need to control ourselves. Votes: 0

It's no surprise to say I oppose the ban [of Donald Trump].If we only allow free speech for those we already agree with, is that free speech at all? Votes: 0

Free speech carries with it the evil of all foolish, unpleasant venomous things that are said but, on the whole, we would rather lump them than do away with them. Votes: 0

Someone who expresses a view that is contrary to the view of the overwhelming majority should be allowed to stand undisturbed as a monument to our commitment to free speech. Votes: 0

While we as members of the Coalition strongly support free speech, it is not unlimited free speech. People aren't free to vilify others on the basis of race or religion. Votes: 0

When the public's right to know is threatened, and when the rights of free speech and free press are at risk, all of the other liberties we hold dear are endangered. Votes: 0

By placing discretion in the hands of an official to grant or deny a license, such a statute creates a threat of censorship that by its very existence chills free speech Votes: 0

University of California students can look forward to the same authoritarian management style Secretary Napolitano brought to the Department of Homeland Security, hardly a bastion of free speech and open government. Votes: 0

It is a paradox that every dictator has climbed to power on the ladder of free speech. Immediately on attaining power each dictator has suppressed all free speech except his own Votes: 0

I don't know, people take chances on stage. It's a big free speech zone, a comedy show. So sometimes things happen, you say things that are a little bit off the edge. Votes: 0

I was very much influenced by a great book by the scholar Neil Richards called Intellectual Privacy, that [Louis] Brandeis changed his mind on the proper balance between dignity and free speech. Votes: 0

A 'live' show is either alive or not. Free speech is free or it is not. Viewers are free to use their remote or TiVo. Parents are responsible or they are not. Votes: 0

The Internet is a powerful example of free speech and the free market in action; it is curious that the Net has alarmed the lawmakers of a nation founded on those principles. Votes: 0

The fact that we're protected under that Constitution in exercising the right of free speech, it's a wonderful thing. You've got to come from somewhere else to realize how valuable it is. Votes: 0

A city built upon mud; A culture built upon profit; Free speech nipped in the bud, The minority always guilty. Why should I want to go back To you, Ireland, my Ireland? Votes: 0

I think the Negro people should feel secure enough by now to face a reasonable ridicule without terror. I am unalterably opposed to all efforts to put down free speech, whatever the excuse. Votes: 0

We stand for free speech. This means we are not going to ban distasteful subreddits. We will not ban legal content even if we find it odious or if we personally condemn it. Votes: 0

You get to say that the Earth is flat because we live in a country that guarantees your free speech. But it's not a country that guarantees that anything you say is correct. Votes: 0

Free speech is a valuable commodity, which we preserve and protect, but there quite rightly is restriction on free speech in the best interest of the good order of the community and common sense. Votes: 0

Not only was one cartoonist gunned down, but riots erupted around the world, resulting in the deaths of scores. No one could say toward what positive social end, yet free speech absolutists were unchastened. Votes: 0

As entertainers, you're afraid [about] loss of income - but if other people start going to jail for free speech, then we've lost this great thing that America is, and I'd like to keep that. Votes: 0

If liberalism is to mean anything at all, it is duty bound to support without hesitation the dissenting individual over the group, the heretic over the orthodox, innovation over stagnation, and free speech over offense. Votes: 0

When Minutemen leader Jim Gilchrist and his black colleague Marvin Stewart were invited by the College Republicans to speak at Columbia last year, the tolerant, free-speech-loving Columbia students violently attacked them, shutting down the speech. Votes: 0