Our voices count for something

It’s July 2, so let’s talk about free speech.

We had a protest in Inverness a few weeks back that was well attended. I can’t say it’s the largest attendance for a protest in Citrus County, but right up there.

Wandering through the crowds that day, it struck me what a glorious freedom we have:

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Our voices. Our opinions. The things we speak out loud or write.

Yeah, as amendments go, the first is my favorite:
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“Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for redress of grievances.”

Our voices, either alone or en masse, are protected. Says so right there. 

I admire the protester’s passion. Four years ago, it was the Trump Train raising Cain in Inverness on the corner of Main Street and Courthouse Square. I recall them being loud and annoying — in other words, true to the protester playbook.

I’m sure those in the President Trump camp thought the same of participants in the “No Kings” rally. Some expressed their displeasure by riding slowly by, waving middle finger flags of their own.

So today, as we move toward our nation’s 249th birthday, a few thoughts on our voices:

— Free speech comes with a responsibility. I’m, frankly, not thrilled with the inclusion of a certain “f” word in political protests these days. Man, the first time that happened, someone in the group should have said, “Whoa, wait up there, Bill. We’ve got kids around here. We don’t want them seeing that language.”

Trumpers didn’t start the “f” dance, but they made it popular. Now it’s catching on. I was disappointed to see a few “F Trump” signs during the No Kings rally.

Along with a call to civility, can we please return to PG-13 protests?

— Some folks claim the right to say WHATEVER they want, WHEREVER they want. The first part, yeah. The second part, don’t think so.

The Chronicle is liberal in its printing of people’s opinions. Sound Off is just as popular today as it was in the pre-social media days. It’s Citrus County’s crank call.

I held many roles at the Chronicle over a 34-year career. One of those — I kid you not — Sound Off editor. I know, I know…Sound Off has an editor? Can’t speak for today, but during my years, we were very cautious about what comments we printed in the newspaper.

Letters to the Editor are signed. Therefore, those folks get a little more rope.

Sound Off is anonymous. People will say all sorts of crazy stuff under the mistaken belief that we’d print it simply because they said it. You know, free speech and all. The more aggressive callers would say, “I dare you to print this!” That’s code for, “This will never see the light of day!”

— Say whatever you’d like on your own Facebook page. You have that right. No one (other than the FB police) will stop you. Have at it. Start your own protest. See if it catches on.

— Many people in our community are very comfortable with their voices. They regularly write letters to the editor, contribute to online conversations, show up at protests, speak before the County Commission, and are quoted in newspaper stories. I am so appreciative of these folks. They help the timid step from their shells.

Let me tell you of a particular thrill. Just Wright Citrus was about six months into the effort when I started hearing people speaking at commission meetings who (A) I recognized as JWC readers, and (B) had never done that before. The blog encouraged them to give commissioners their 2 cents. Some are now regulars.

— One last point, then I’m done. Here’s how we’ll know if we’re really in trouble in our country: First thing to go — the FIRST thing — is free speech. It’ll go before all the other freedoms. A paranoid government wants to muzzle citizens who criticize the paranoid government.

Don’t for a second take free speech for granted. I don’t and never will. Let’s keep those protests going.

— Program note: JWC is following Gov. Ron DeSantis’ lead in giving employees Thursday off this week. So, no blog Thursday or Friday. Have an exceptional and safe July 4th weekend, friends.

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