Fair Speech

People have always had opinions about everything. Conservatively, there has got to be thousands and thousands, if not millions, of opinions on every topic known to man; not just the broad topics like sports, the weather, politics or the environment, but much more narrow ones like poodle cuts, the way certain people laugh, and Danish pastries. Even blogs themselves, I am sure, produce a multitude of opinions. The ability to express an opinion, of course, helps define a free society no matter whether the opinion is ill-informed, hurtful, positive, well-articulated, misdirected or on-point. This kind of free expression provides the foundation for the best kind of communication. Or does it?

There is no question that free expression is a good thing. After all, being able to express our thoughts represents the core of our nation's philosophy. At the same time, this freedom brings with it a great deal of responsibility. But while all of us pretty much can say anything we want, the real question is, "should we?" There are few things that damage or curtail a relationship or one's credibility than a lie or hateful comment. Blasting out any comments without thought to another person's feelings or without making any effort to ensure that comment is based on fact is irresponsible and an abuse of the right of free speech. Yes, we have the right to say dumb and hurtful things, but at the same time that does not excuse it.

Free speech and fair speech go hand-in-hand in the same way having a license to drive does with driving responsibility. Any one with a license can get behind the wheel of a car, but it is only the responsible driver who does so without drinking, without tail gaiting or without speeding. So, as we engage in conversations with others and listen to the many opinion mongers on radio and television, a good question to ponder is are we and they being responsible practitioners of free speech. Are we or they engaging in fair speech? It is free speech that generates attention, but fair speech that establishes credibility, engagement and lasting connections.