Free speech and Facebook

Freedom of speech is a popular topic these days – especially when things start getting heated in a Facebook comment section. 

People will argue that they have the freedom of speech when someone else objects to what they're saying, or they'll say they're being censored if it's stated that certain types of comments may be deleted. I got into several of these lively discussions over the weekend on the Green River Star's Facebook page when we shared photos of Saturday's local "No Kings" rally. Knowing the types of comments we've gotten on similar posts in the past, I put a disclaimer in the post itself as an editor's note. I explained that it is our policy to hide or delete comments with profanity, and we use our discretion to hide comments we consider particularly hateful, graphic, or inflammatory, regardless of the point they're making. I even added that "we do not see it as a violation of anyone's freedom of speech to control what appears on our own page."

Boy, that made people mad. 

"Wow, GR Star in full censorship mode," one commenter wrote. "Will I get censored for challenging them? How can journalists reduce free speech to their view when they so often demand absolute free speech rights for themselves?" 

I noted that anyone is free to share our Facebook posts to their own pages and say whatever they want there, or even to write letters to the editor to share their opinion, but the reply I received was that it's "rank hypocrisy" for us to "censor" comments, and that we're demanding free speech for ourselves but denying it to others. 

One reason this whole discussion gets tricky is the Founding Fathers never had Facebook. Social media is its own beast entirely, especially with "trolls" and bots that boost inflammatory language. Sometimes the people we end up arguing with aren't even people, and sometimes they're just trying to stoke the fire intentionally. Still, these arguments bring up interesting points to consider. 

With discussions like this happening more and more, it's fitting that this week happens to be Free Speech Week. The week is celebrated the third full week of October annually, and is meant "to raise public awareness of the importance of freedom of speech and of a free press in our democracy – and to celebrate that freedom," according to freespeechweek.org.  

When we discuss freedom of speech, it's important to know what that actually means (and what it doesn't). The basic dictionary definition is "the right to express any opinions without censorship or restraint." It usually references the right guaranteed in the first amendment, which simply says that, among other things, Congress will not abridge the freedom of speech, meaning essentially that people should not be restricted or punished by the government for what they say. 

Congress' website explains further: "The First Amendment to the U.S. Constitution protects 'the freedom of speech,' but that protection is not absolute. The Free Speech Clause principally constrains government regulation of private speech. Speech restrictions imposed by private entities, and government limits on its own speech, usually do not implicate the First Amendment."

There have also been years of Supreme Court cases determining what does and doesn't fall under the freedom of speech. But again, that is all related to the government's actions. When referring to the actual constitutional right, it is impossible for an individual, business, or other entity to restrict someone's free speech, because that's simply not what the constitution is referring to. 

In a general sense, even the concept of free speech doesn't mean freedom from consequences. You can say what you want, but depending on what you say and how and where you say it, it may not be accepted or permitted. You can choose what to say, but others can choose not to listen. You have the freedom to speak, but you should still be held accountable for your words.  

The same amendment that guarantees the freedom of speech also guarantees the freedom of the press in the exact same phrase. Again, this means the press should be free from government censorship, and journalists should be free from government punishment. Newspapers absolutely hold on to and champion this amendment. And yes, that also means newspapers are and should be champions of the freedom of speech for everyone.

However, does this mean newspapers have the obligation to let anyone say anything at any time? Personally, I don't believe so. Journalists and editors always use their discretion, whether it's paraphrasing instead of using a direct quote with colorful language, or making sure facts are accurate to avoid spreading misinformation. Still, the "opinion" page of a newspaper is one of the most important pages for a reason. 

"The function of journalism and a free press is not confined to the presentation of news," as Dorothy Thompson said. "Their function is to create continual debate, to provide a forum, to give opportunity for the expression of opinion."

We love and celebrate freedom of speech for ourselves and others, this week and every week. We are never trying to limit it, even on our social media. Sometimes we may put up parameters for our own content in an effort to keep things from spiraling into the extremes of harmful and unhelpful debates. But we will keep fighting for your right to express yourself without the government stopping you, and for our connected right to do the same.