Linda Terwilliger: Freedom of speech is an essential right of our republic

To The Daily Sun,

Here in the U.S., freedom of the press and freedom of speech, without fear of government censorship or retaliation, are essential rights of our American democracy. 

We have a right to know the facts, to hear and consider different opinions and ideas and make our own decisions. The health of our republic depends largely on our ability to stay well-informed about local, national and world events. To get the complete story, we must have unfettered access to independent press. Also, we need professional journalists who follow a code of ethics to report the facts about the issues with a balanced approach. 

Journalists, news outlets and other media must be free to communicate the information without government interference. Independent press promotes transparency, accountability and an environment where diverse opinions can be expressed. Objective, accurate, fact-based reporting from credible sources helps to hold our elected officials accountable for their words and deeds. 

Donald Trump’s administration routinely threatens regulatory action against media companies to silence reporters and commentators for articles and speech he doesn’t like. Like other authoritarians, Trump does not like to be scrutinized or challenged. Either flatter him, or get in trouble.

When a sitting president persecutes the press to force conformity, the freedom of every American is jeopardized. The current administration’s attempts to control and censor media, universities, law firms and others undermine our democracy. The road to despotism is paved with censorship.

Free speech, free press, free assembly and freedom of religion are guaranteed by the First Amendment of our Constitution. 

We must exercise our constitutionally protected rights to speak out against censorship and other authoritarian-like efforts to undermine our democracy. If we honestly believe in the value of our democratic rights and freedoms, we must protect our democracy and condemn injustice through peaceful, non-violent action.

Linda Terwilliger

Gilford