"I'm For Free Speech, So Just Shut Up!"

On this Independence Day, I reflect on one freedom that I cherish, and that is the freedom to speak one's mind. Unfortunately, that freedom is being eroded seemingly on a daily basis. The liberals in America shout the mantra of free speech, but of course that only means when somebody's view on an issue is the same as theirs. Observe the uproar when a graphic pro-life exhibit is displayed on the so-called bastion of free speech, the college campus. In theory, the colleges are supposed to be places where issues are thoughtfully discussed with a tolerance for opposing viewpoints. In actuality, when it comes to accepting diverse views many campuses are the most intolerant close-minded institutions in our society.

Freedom of speech can also be difficult when dealing with liberals one-to-one or in a small group setting. If the liberal knows your leaning on issues, what's the one line they love to use? Let's not talk politics or religion. But that doesn't mean that they have to refrain from stating their opinions on any issue they want. For example, they may state their opinion on the gulf oil spill which can be interpreted as a political response to the issue. Even if they only said that it's awful what's happening to the wildlife, then in their view that's not political. If a pro-lifer then stated that it was awful what's happening many unborn children by means of abortion, the liberal then will probably state that we had an agreement not to talk about politics or religion. My response would be that you believe in saving the ducks or fish and I believe in saving the unborn babies. Even if both followed the no politics rule each issue can be logically discussed without bringing in the political aspect.

Liberals usually can't help themselves when it comes to stating their opinions. Even when they are interacting with conservatives in a setting that doesn't breed itself for discussions of the issues they often will unknowingly open the door for you to give your viewpoints. If they try to shut up the conservative, then of course they can be told that they started the discussion on issues. The main point is that their proclamation of a political or religious-free zone should not be adhered too if they initially gave their opinion on an issue.

For liberals the pro-life issue is categorized in whatever way they deem fit, as long as it's not talked about at all. They may call it a political or religious issue which is off limits or that's it's too controversial or nobody's mind is going to be changed. They may even proclaim that it's already settled law so why bother discussing it. The bottom line is that they just don't want to hear a differing opinion from their own. Why? I always presume it's because they will have a difficult time defending their view on abortion. To them the only solutions are to shut the other person up or attack them personally as evidenced by the attacks on Sarah Palin and other pro-life women. The liberal's motto should be: I'm for free speech, so just shut up!