Be aware that free speech is never free

There is no such thing as free speech.

Not really.

And certainly not absolutely. Yes, the First Amendment to the United States Constitution protects freedom of expression, including freedom of speech and of the press.

But, what does that mean? I think it means that “We the People” must take responsibility for what we say.

I think it calls on every Arkansan and American to be aware that there is a price to be paid for his or her public utterances.

Words do have consequences. They can inform and inspire, they can move us to act with compassion and generosity.

They can also do great harm, especially in today’s sociopolitical climate where they are hurled forth like profanity-armed weapons, aimed at spreading ill will or worse, at inciting violence.

Everyone is entitled to his opinions and everyone has a right to state them categorically. I have spent much of my adult life defending one public forum in which individuals could debate — often with some ferocity — the issues of the day. I still believe these exchanges are critical to our democracy.

Still, we seem to be engaged in a new day “War of Words” where speech — in both tone and content — has grown increasingly hateful and ugly. And many of the persons so determined to denigrate total strangers hide in anonymity on social media and smugly cloak themselves in the First Amendment.

Even more sadly, the milieu of once meaningful discourse has become more like a cesspool where strident, high-decibel voices drown out those of anyone who dares to disagree. As a result, many who want to learn and understand so they might contribute their thoughts to the discussion — as guaranteed by free speech rights — often feel the costs are just too high — first and foremost, the threats to their public safety.

I remember my mother’s admonition, “Watch your language.” She would be appalled by what offensive words and phrases are being so carelessly and callously thrown about these days. And, in the end, where does all that noisy nastiness get us? Nowhere.

When everyone is talking — and yelling — at the same time, it is nigh on impossible to communicate in a purposeful manner. And isn’t that what the country needs right now — less antagonism and more connectivity?

Say what you want — and you more than likely will — but, remember, doing so will always exact a toll.