Larry Westin's thoughts about Free Speech
May 4, 1966 was my second day of U.S. Air Force basic
training. First thing that morning the drill sergeant
stood up before the assembled group and receited the quote
below, which he said came from "some admiral."
"I may not agree with what you say, but I will defend with
my life your RIGHT to say it."
That, continued the drill sergeant, is the reason you are
here, the primary reason for serving in the United States
military! Certainly each point of the Bill of Rights is
important, but the RIGHT of Free Speech is paramount. The
drill sergeant finished by emphasizing it is not important
that you agree with someones opinion or thoughts, what is
important is that everyone has the RIGHT to express their
own thoughts and opinions.
Actually I learned later that the quote came from Voltaire,
a French Philosopher who died in 1778. Voltaire developed
his philosophy on free speech after leaving France and living
in England.
The drill sergeant may have been in error about precisely who
made the quote, but his concept of basic human rights, and
the need to preserve them was entirely correct, at least in
my view.
Personally I find too much said on Internet is revolting, often
totally inaccurate to the point of being an outright lie, yet
I still disagree with censorship. My biggest concern is just
who is it that will make the judgement on just what I can or
can't see?
Don't assume because you read or hear something that it is
true, rather research further, confirm or rebute what you read
or heard before passing it on to others.
Freedom of Speech is a most important RIGHT, use it wisely
and don't allow it to be diluted. Select your words carefully
to always treat all others with dignity and respect. Remember
they have a RIGHT to their opinion, even if it is very different
from your own.
Thank you for your time - Larry Westin
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