Protecting the Right to Dissent

 

Public opinion has always been something people have, whether they proclaim it or not. Back in the 1800’s and early 1900’s, the government made it a crime to criticize the government (sedition & espionage act). This was later eradicated in the future, as one can freely comment on the government and disagree with its process however they wish under the first amendment. These acts were passed to prevent the rapid spread of dissent aimed at the government during the time when the Acts were passed (war time). Many Americans were extremely against the government and executive office at the time, causing them to comment on their actions in a harsh manner. This upset the government, thus making them pass the acts to make such dissent illegal. In today’s world, this would definitely not be okay--as people are extremely vocal on their opinions of the government today. 

More specifically, the government is currently dealing with the global pandemic due to the Coronavirus. Despite the White House and Congress trying desperately to alleviate the panic as best as they can, people will still voice their dissent no matter what. They’re have been myriad of dissents against the government, as it is all people are focusing on in quarantine. Twitter, Facebook, and basically every social media platform is filled with disagreement toward the government and the President’s actions; condemning the way they have handled the spread of the virus. All of these opinions have been largely heard, which is completely understandable. Even if the government is doing exceptional work, there will always be people who disagree. This, however, is just how our society works. We are allowed to have such opinions and proclaim our dissent on social media, blogs, news articles, interviews, etc. It is what makes our country so great and allows people to feel free to do as they please (as long as it's under the first amendment). This is why I believe protecting dissent is the most important speech theory and ability of free expression. 

If citizens were unable to state their opinions and vocalize their disagreements with the government, they would feel trapped and not able to freely exclaim what they wish. They would have to keep their thoughts to themselves, instead of stating such. Opinions do not always have to be bad, as some can spark a change in legislation and overall better the community. Therefore if no disagreements or opinions were released into the world in relation to the government, no true change would happen (bills, laws passed, amendments, etc). As a whole, protecting dissent allows everyone to criticize the government to encourage hopeful change for their own country, making it extremely important for our patriotic duty as a citizen. 

Watch a video regarding the importance of dissent here: https://www.newsy.com/stories/why-the-founding-fathers-protected-the-right-to-protest-1/

Sources:
https://history.house.gov/Historical-Highlights/1700s/The-Sedition-Act-of-1798/
https://www.jstor.org/stable/25724899?seq=1#metadata_info_tab_contents