freedom of speech

I think that a group of citizens cannot be free without being able to express their ideas publicly about the government. The government should be able to hear the complaints of the people it governs and make some changes accordingly. Everyone thinks that their ideas and views about the government matter, and is what allows the government flexibility to change during different times. All ideas and options must be considered for making a decision in the government, if the government is to work properly. Freedom of speech provides a balance between stability and change.
If a group has their freedom of speech taken away, which means the government is limiting their individuality. This goes along with freedom of religion. People want to say what they think, and if they say something that the government doesn't like there could be consequences. People don't want to live in fear of the government. Unless those people are kept in the dark about what the government does. But many people believe that over the long run, free speech actually improves our political decision-making. Freedom of speech acts as a system of checks and balances and is a restraint on tyranny. Freedom of speech is a necessary thing for democracies to thrive. Freedom of speech is power for the people.


Sources:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Freedom_of_speech
Chinese guests
http://www.firstamendmentcenter.org/Speech/overview.aspx