A Vote for Free Speech

For more than a decade now I have not been a fan of the United States Supreme Court. In too many instances to my liking various members of this august body of jurists seem to have tossed aside their charge to be objective, fair and judicially responsible in order to push forward their own political, social and personal agendas. Not surprisingly, in my view, our country is the lesser for it. Having said that, a few days ago the Supreme Court made a brave decision on behalf of free speech and deserves to be recognized for it. I am referring to the case involving members of the infamous Westboro Baptist Church. Specifically, the high court protected the right of members of this church to conduct anti-gay protests at various high-profile events, such as funerals for members of the military.

Make no mistake, the hateful philosophy of the Westboro Baptist Church is reprehensible. The hate speech it spews is beyond defending with the important exception that in our country it has a right to do just that. Freedom of speech is a core philosophy of our form of government. Thus, it needs to be defended and upheld irregardless of how ugly it might be. Free speech often is messy and controversial. In the words of Chief Justice John Roberts, it is also powerful and "can stir people to action, move them to tears of both joy and sorrow, and inflict great pain." Bottom line: free speech is not easy. I have no doubt that every member of the high court detests the words put forth by members of Westboro Baptist Church. Yet in an overwhelmingly majority vote of 8 to 1, they stood tall for free speech. Good for them and good for all of us.

Being able to speak freely gives all of us great power. The question for those wielding that power is how we exercise that kind of special clout. Do we handle it with great responsibility? Do we use it to be build or tear down? I have raised these and similar questions before when it comes to free speech and will continue to do so. In the world of professional communication, how one utilizes this power defines their quality and merit. Professional communicators may be polished and articulate, but if they use their power of speech to deceive and do harm, then they are no better than followers of the Westboro Baptist Church who devote so much of their to preaching intolerance. Thank you U.S. Supreme Court for defending our country's right free speech. Let us hope that all of us, including professional communicators, do all we can to practice it with great responsibility and a sense of regard for others.