There is much debate as to which is more important, freedom of speech or national security. I think that both arguments have their own respective merits, but I can also understand their criticisms too. Freedom of speech was guaranteed in the 1st Amendment of the Constitution and its one of the many freedoms that we enjoy today. Like everything else it has evolved and we have found new ways to exercise it through technology. Matters of national security have also evolved. At the founding of our country we did not face the challenges of terrorism, cyber crime, and globalization. So should we amend our rights to fit the times? Should we give up something that may possibly keep us safe? Those are interesting questions upon which I have conflicting views.
Freedom of speech is one of the foundations that this country was built on. It was used in the Colonial papers to rally those to the cause of freedom. It was used throughout history to keep the government in check, with examples being the Pentagon Papers and uncovering the Watergate scandal. Most recently it was used to inform the American people of the government spying on them illegally. On the flip side it can also be harmful. The press is so quick to jump on a story that they forget about the ramifications of such action. While I do agree with the release of some of Edward Snowden's information, I feel that some content may put American lives in jeopardy.
As someone who has served in the military, I feel strongly that national security should be a top priority. Our nations defense is vital if we are to protect the liberties upon which we were founded. I agree that if a story is going to severely damage national security, then it should be censored to a certain degree. However, since the passage of the Patriot Act I feel as though what is deemed as matters of national security may be not always be so. I feel as though the government uses this as a carte blanche to hide information from the public and that some of this was exposed by Edward Snowden.
What are your thoughts?
For further elaboration check out this video below that discusses the debate between freedom of speech and national security since 9/11.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Wr963WRYXbQ
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