News
September 22, 2025
Reader Opinion: All US speech is free, no matter who says it, by Edward Murdough
With a gleam in one eye and a tear in the other, the old soldier remarked, “I may not like what you said, but I will defend your right to say it with my last breath.”
Edward Murdough, a veteran with decades of service under his belt, recently shared his perspective on free speech in the United States, emphasizing its universality and importance, regardless of the speaker or the content of their message. Murdough's opinion piece, reflecting on the core principles of the First Amendment, serves as a powerful reminder of the freedoms Americans often take for granted.
Murdough doesn't shy away from the complexities of free speech. He acknowledges that some speech may be offensive, disagreeable, or even hateful. However, he argues that the protection afforded by the First Amendment extends to all voices, even those we strongly disagree with. He powerfully illustrates this with a personal anecdote, stating, “I may not like what you said, but I will defend your right to say it with my last breath.” This statement encapsulates the often-difficult but crucial commitment to defending the rights of others, even when their views clash with our own.
The veteran's perspective carries significant weight, given his years of service dedicated to protecting the freedoms enshrined in the Constitution. Murdough suggests that true patriotism lies not just in celebrating the flag or reciting the Pledge of Allegiance, but also in actively safeguarding the rights of every citizen to express themselves without fear of government censorship or reprisal.
Murdough’s piece arrives at a time when discussions surrounding free speech are increasingly prevalent and often contentious. Debates about hate speech, censorship on social media platforms, and the limits of acceptable discourse dominate public conversation. His unwavering stance on the universality of free speech offers a valuable contribution to this ongoing dialogue, urging readers to consider the broader implications of restricting speech, even when it is unpopular or offensive. He encourages a deeper understanding of the First Amendment, reminding us that protecting free speech for all, even those with whom we vehemently disagree, is essential to preserving a truly free and democratic society. The article has sparked considerable discussion online, with many readers praising Murdough's thoughtful and principled stance.
Murdough doesn't shy away from the complexities of free speech. He acknowledges that some speech may be offensive, disagreeable, or even hateful. However, he argues that the protection afforded by the First Amendment extends to all voices, even those we strongly disagree with. He powerfully illustrates this with a personal anecdote, stating, “I may not like what you said, but I will defend your right to say it with my last breath.” This statement encapsulates the often-difficult but crucial commitment to defending the rights of others, even when their views clash with our own.
The veteran's perspective carries significant weight, given his years of service dedicated to protecting the freedoms enshrined in the Constitution. Murdough suggests that true patriotism lies not just in celebrating the flag or reciting the Pledge of Allegiance, but also in actively safeguarding the rights of every citizen to express themselves without fear of government censorship or reprisal.
Murdough’s piece arrives at a time when discussions surrounding free speech are increasingly prevalent and often contentious. Debates about hate speech, censorship on social media platforms, and the limits of acceptable discourse dominate public conversation. His unwavering stance on the universality of free speech offers a valuable contribution to this ongoing dialogue, urging readers to consider the broader implications of restricting speech, even when it is unpopular or offensive. He encourages a deeper understanding of the First Amendment, reminding us that protecting free speech for all, even those with whom we vehemently disagree, is essential to preserving a truly free and democratic society. The article has sparked considerable discussion online, with many readers praising Murdough's thoughtful and principled stance.
Category:
Politics