Free speech is a right not to be taken for granted

By Roy K. Amemiya Jr.

POSTED: 01:30 a.m. HST, Oct 24, 2012

~~<p>Earlier this month, a 15-year-old Pakistani girl named Malala Yousafzai was shot in the head while riding a school bus. She had been courageously advocating education for girls and criticizing oppressive Taliban policies. Freedom of speech is intolerable to those who fear opposition.</p>
<p>In the U.S., the First Amendment to our Constitution guarantees our right to freedom of expression. Here, we as individual citizens may express beliefs and ideas without fear. Holding a "tea party" at the state Capitol or "occupying" a portion of Honolulu are deemed acceptable and almost routine.</p>
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Earlier this month, a 15-year-old Pakistani girl named Malala Yousafzai was shot in the head while riding a school bus. She had been courageously advocating education for girls and criticizing oppressive Taliban policies. Freedom of speech is intolerable to those who fear opposition.

In the U.S., the First Amendment to our Constitution guarantees our right to freedom of expression. Here, we as individual citizens may express beliefs and ideas without fear. Holding a "tea party" at the state Capitol or "occupying" a portion of Honolulu are deemed acceptable and almost routine. Login for more...