Free Speech

It's easy to support free speech when you agree with it. It is easy to speak freely when there is no fear of retaliation. It is more difficult when the free speech is controversial or if the person expressing him or herself is abrasive. A free society recognizes that all free speech be protected.

I think the cartoon above is in poor taste. That aside, Westergaard had something to say. It provoked thought and emotion. The freedom of expression often comes with a price. It can come with praise and admiration if people agree with the point of view. It can come through a rebuttal or a boycott if people disagree.

Nobody should ever be assassinated or arrested just because one expresses him or herself in a manner that is controversial. Intimidation is not the way to silence voices of dissent. The best way to silence a controversial statement is to make a stronger argument.