Opinion: This is the cost of free speech

The other day I was having an interesting discussion with a friend about free speech. He basically was saying that too many people are becoming victims of the social media mob that attacks and ruins the reputation of anyone who makes a polarizing statement and that free speech isn’t really that at all.

I agreed with him, but pointed out that “free speech” has always been a bit of a misnomer. Throughout history, speaking one’s mind has sometimes led to tragic endings. In ancient Rome, you might have become a lion’s dinner for mouthing off. In Salem, you were called a witch and brutally dispatched. During the Red Scare period someone could label you a Communist, put your name on a blacklist and ruin your career – and your life.

I could argue that people should be able to say what they want to say at any time for any reason, but that’s as unrealistic as saying everyone in life is given a fair and equal chance. As an opinion columnist, I put myself in the cross-hairs weekly and although I won’t be burned at the stake, some of the issues and positions I take get some people coming back at me hot. If I talk about overzealous expressions of religion, anything about sexuality, or politics, my inbox fills up faster than Teeter as a snowstorm approaches.

That sort of mimics life in general.

I even have friends calling me the dreaded “L” word – Liberal – these days because I’m not a fan of ostracizing those different than myself. After a recent column when I said the fuss over the transgender bathroom issue is silly, being called a liberal was actually the kindest comment. But here’s the thing: If I have the right to voice my opinion, others have the right to respond back. That’s the way it should work. That should lead to debate and discussion, not hate.

Unfortunately, I don’t think we’re wired that way.

We are about to enter a season when if you support Donald Trump, you will be called names. If you support Hillary Clinton, you will be called names. It will be contentious, both between the candidates and between the people of America. Political free speech will be as welcome as a squatter in your living room.

You know what bugs me the most though? That nobody really seems too fond of either candidate. We are going to be thrown into Bedlam arguing who is the least troubling choice. People will actually throw fists and hurl insults, not in favor of anyone, but instead under the banner of the elephant and the donkey.

In the end, we’ll probably all be asses.

This story was originally published May 16, 2016 at 11:26 AM with the headline "Opinion: This is the cost of free speech."