We have a winner! The essay entitled “By the People, For the People,” was submitted by Breanna Grogon of Mineral Wells High School. We appreciate all submissions made from students across the county!
Local press coverage of Breanna’s essay can be found here, and Brenna’s essay can be found in its entirety below!
“You’re sitting in a college lecture hall as a blank sheet of paper is handed to you. You take the paper and stare down at it as your professor says, “For your final exam you will write an essay about the effects of the American Civil War.” You quickly begin to plan your outline but your professor interrupts, “You may not use the words discrimination, equality, freedom, abolition, or integration.” Suddenly, that seemingly simple essay becomes much more difficult to write, and most likely, less impactful or accurate. This example is imperfect, but still a base representation of how essential freedom of speech is to our everyday lives and government. American citizens gain honesty, authenticity, and transparency with our government through freedom of speech; as Thomas Jefferson said in the 1789 Virginia Statute for Religious Freedom, “Truth is great and will prevail if left to herself.”
The truth is that many of our current systems and ideals as Americans would not be as strong as they are today without our founding fathers’ intent to make freedom of speech the cornerstone of American democracy. This basic right is integral to the sound development of ideas and government. The United States is a leading world power because of its ability to collaborate and debate within its government, and between common men, on the best policies, the most just legislation, calculated foreign relations, and all of our operations as a nation. Because of their First Amendment right, Americans are among the few in the world who can participate in their government as regular civilians whether they have a college degree or not, are experts in any field, or have even placed themselves in opposition to the ideals of the current government, and can do so without fear of being punished for their views. This is the basis of the American Dream; the freedom to express yourself as you see fit and make the life you wish for yourself is open to any man who chooses to seize the opportunity.
What sets America apart from other major nations relating to free speech is how the government approaches free speech regarding social media and the internet. Most of the world’s major nations and countries have some sort of legislation or policies concerning online censorship/regulation of social media/the internet. Many Eurasian countries have at least some regulation of their citizens’ media and online presence. This is not the case in the United States, and in fact, it is barred by the First Amendment right to freedom of expression with sparse exceptions. The government cannot directly mandate how it is portrayed or what individuals can say on social media, and is not able to push agendas and private interests onto citizens. Our founding fathers unknowingly set up a safeguard for freedom of thought and expression on social media.
Freedom of speech nurtures another aspect of American democracy, namely self-governance. Self-governance is at the heart of democracy and political equality. America has been one of the most significant self-governing entities in history, and each of the fifty states is likewise self-governing to a certain extent. Much like our nation as a whole, American citizens have been a picture of self-governance for centuries, from early pilgrims, pioneers, and settlers, to modern-day business owners, and innovators. The ‘pulling yourself up by the bootstraps,’ ‘life is what you make of it,’ and ‘by the people for the people’ attitudes that are characteristic of American people and essential to our government are fueled by the fact that we exercise our right to freedom of speech often and intentionally; freedom of speech allows individuals to make informed decisions for themselves and their families and live according to those decisions. Ingenuity and adaptivity are built from tools and skills that come with free speech, such as critical thinking, clear communication, and independence.
Free speech makes provision for peaceful protests and civil debates (characteristics of a self-governing nation); it is central to our ideals and interests as a nation, and is distinctly American in a world of ever-increasing internet and social media censorship. Freedom of speech is foundational to American democracy, the great equalizer of American citizens, and the facilitator of the American Dream.“
Republican Party of Palo Pinto County 