Freedom of Speech

This is a land of the "free," where we hold dearly the rights we have. But how many do we truly have? Yes, the Bill of Rights says that we have the freedom of speech, and taken literally, one would think we could say whatever we wanted and not be reprimanded for saying so, so long as it does not endanger someone. Doesn't that sound nice? Looks great on paper. Therein lies the problem though: everything looks good on paper, but in action things tend to fall apart. Look at Communism. Wouldn't it be wonderful if everyone really could all be equal? Of course, people are selfish, and many Communist societies become dictatorships. Even in our own country, the land of "freedom" and "equality," people are not treated fairly. Women are still oppressed, segregation still exists (though severely limited at last). After Sept. 11, people of certain eastern decent or appearance are taken for terrorists, reminding me of certain Japanese containment camps. Yes, very fair. Now I ask you, what do you think your friends, colleagues, peers, etc., would say should you bring up the fact you were gay? Or that you wanted to convert to a different religion? Some would be disgusted, or think you had lost your mind, and precious few would be truly accepting. Why do very little on issues such as Global Warming? Why does it seem, to me anyway, that the only people who care about gay/lesbian rights are those who are gay and lesbian? These topics are very much debated, supposedly, so why isn't there open conventions or talk shows focusing on these and other issues? I'll tell you what real freedom of speech means. It means that when you say something that could change how people act, or think, like the issue of Global Warming, it is ignored or branded heretical. It means that when someone has an idea that contradicts the way those in power think, like gay/lesbian rights in the eyes of our President, they are shoved rudely into a corner. It means when you can disagree with your teacher that 'controls your grades,' even if you feel justified or have evidence supporting you, you fail that class. Words on paper mean little. You can make up laws banning 'injustice,' but it will still exist so long as it is in the people's hearts. Freedom of speech is not free, because people's minds are not free and open to all possibilities and view points.