Our Freedom of Speech

Freedom of speech is an incredible right--

A right that all Americans cherish.

It's a right that not all countries enjoy,

And one that we wouldn't want to see perish.

 

People have the right to express

Their opinion in public; yes, that is true.

One thing about it is when they speak out,

Their venomous ignorance often comes through.

 

Isn't there a saying about

Thinking before expressing a thought?

Many people ignore that advice;

What's more, those people ignore it a lot.

 

Publicly expressing rancor and bigotry

Might sound appropriate to those who feel

That they have the right to deny other people

Their rights, which they do with great zeal.

 

Extremist ideas and irrational thinking

Are surely part of the human condition.

People whose speech condemns other people

Are on a destructive, hateful mission.

 

A malicious message spoken in public--

A far-out attack or outlandish expression--

Allows us to see the foolishness in

The speaker's illogic and lack of discretion.

 

An astutely aware and compassionate public

Will let malice fall on deaf ears.

And those who employ such invective,

Instead of our anger, deserve our tears.

 

When we hear people spewing inanities

Powered by ignorance and hatred, we should

Consider the source and counter the poison

So it doesn't taint all that is good.
 

(9-12-14)