Safety vs Freedom of Speech

722 Words2 Pages
bulb-icon

Recommended: Limitation on freedom of speech

Look around you America. Your world is changing. Suddenly it’s no longer safe to fly in airplanes, attend sporting events, or just open your junk mail. Almost daily, news of threats and security breach’s litter the airwaves, leaving many asking the same question. “How can we make our country safe again?” Unfortunately, there isn’t a simple answer. America is united in the cause, but divided over the methods of preventing terrorism. At this time of uncertainty, many are urging Americans to “give up” some of their freedoms and privacy in exchange for safety. Regrettably, this wave of patriotism has spilled over, and is beginning to infringe on our fundamental liberties as outlined in the Bill of Rights. Since the September 11th terrorist attacks those who have made comments contrary to popular beliefs have prompted much debate about free speech. When America experiences some great trauma, our freedom of speech often faces its own trauma.

Across the country, people are expressing opinions unpopular with American culture post

September 11th. In Colorado, school officials demonstrate the new rush to suppress any un- American sentiment by “forcing a student to remove an upside down American flag sewn on the seat of her jeans [calling it] an obscene insult to Americanism” (Leo). Blinded by their patriotism, these school officials disregarded the student’s first amendment rights. This same eagerness to attack free-speakers also occurred at the University of New Mexico. In this highly publicized incident, Prof Richard Berthold told his class “Anyone who can blow up the Pentagon has my vote” (Leo). Upon hearing such an outrageous statement, many Americans are demanding the professor be suspended or fired. Americans’ post September 11t...

... middle of paper ...

...that might be considered “unpatriotic.” This practice must stop. Ignoring the Bill of Rights during a crisis sets a dangerous precedent of inconsistency. This lack of respect for laws can snowball into a total disregard of freedom and liberty. The public and press cannot become the judge and jury, deciding what’s socially acceptable. Everyone looks and thinks differently. There will be bitter conflict and debate.

Sometimes tears need to be shed. Let the girl wear her jeans, admire the history professor for his bravery, question government action when warranted, and keep Bill Maher on the air.

Works Cited

Gergen, David. “Tending to the home front.” U.S News & World Report. 5 Nov. 2001: 84.

Leo, John. “Don’t tread on free-speakers.” U.S News & World Report. 5 Nov. 2001: 59.

Politically Incorrect with Bill Maher. ABC. WSYX, Columbus. 17 Sept. 2001.

Show More
Related

  • Methylphenidate: Calming Chaos or Cultural Genocide?

    885 Words  | 2 Pages

    A central nervous system (CNS) stimulant, methylphenidate—more commonly known as Ritalin—is drug prescribed in the treatment of Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (AD/HD) ((1)). AD/HD, by definition, is "developmentally inappropriate behavior, including poor attention skills, impulsivity, and hyperactivity" sustained for more than 6 months, appearing usually during childhood2 ((2)). Figures estimate an approximate 3-5% of children are affected by the disorder. Differing views, however, exist about the legitimacy of the majority of these diagnoses. In light of this, the object of this assessment is to examine the bodily and societal implications of methylphenidate.

    Read More

  • Sacrificing Freedom for Security

    1407 Words  | 3 Pages

    Our nation seems as if it is in a constant battle between freedom and safety. Freedom and security are two integral parts that keep our nation running smoothly, yet they are often seen conflicting with one another. “Tragedies such as Pearl Harbor, 9/11 and the Boston Marathon bombings may invoke feelings of patriotism and a call for unity, but the nation also becomes divided, and vulnerable populations become targets,” (Wootton 1). “After each attack a different group or population would become targets. “The attack on Pearl Harbor notoriously lead to Japanese Americans being imprisoned in internment camps, the attacks on 9/11 sparked hate crimes against those who appeared to be Muslim or Middle Eastern,” (Wootton 1). Often times people wind up taking sides, whether it be for personal freedoms or for national security, and as a nation trying to recover from these disasters we should be leaning on each other for support. Due to these past events the government has launched a series of antiterrorist measures – from ethnic profiling to going through your personal e-mail (Begley 1). Although there are times when personal freedoms are sacrificed for the safety of others, under certain circumstances the government could be doing more harm than good.

    Read More

  • Central Nervous System Stimulant: Ritalin

    1557 Words  | 4 Pages

    The most popular use of Ritalin is in the treatment of Attention-deficient Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), which can affect children as well as adults. It is usually noticeable and brought to light when a child starts school, although it can be diagnosed earlier than this. ADHD is one of the most commonly diagnosed psychological disorders in children and the causes of it are still unknown. “It affects about 6–7% of children when diagnosed via the DSM-IV criteria” http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Attention_deficit_hyperactivity_disorder The symptoms of attention-deficient hyperactivity vary, but the most noticeable symptoms are when a person has a hard time focusing, keeping to themselves, talking excessively, and blurting out without thinking. They are often impulsive and do not think about the consequences that their behavior has. Medication is not the only form of treatment for ADHD, but it is the fastest acting treatment. “So while medication may help with some immediate relief from some of the symptoms, the person with attention deficit disorder still often needs to learn the skills needed to be successful while l...

    Read More

  • Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)

    1686 Words  | 4 Pages

    Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), once called hyperkinesis or minimal brain dysfunction, is one of the most common mental disorders among children. (Elia, Ambrosini, Rapoport, 1999) It affects 3 to 5 percent of all children, with approximately 60% to 80% of these children experiencing persistence of symptoms into adolescence and adulthood, causing a lifetime of frustrated dreams and emotional pain. There are two types of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder: an inattentive type and a combined type. The symptoms of ADHD can be classified into three categories: inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity. This behaviour stops ADHD sufferers from focussing deliberately on organising and completing a specific task that they may not enjoy, learning new skills or information is proved to be impossible. An example of such behaviour is recognised by the report written by the National Institute of Mental Health where one of the subjects under study was unable to pass schooling examinations due to her inattentive behaviour. Such behaviour can damage the person's relationships with others in addition to disrupting their daily life, consuming energy, and diminishing self-esteem. (National Institute of Mental Health 1999) There are also secondary symptoms which are associated with ADHD, such as learning disorders, anxiety, depression and other mood disorders, tic disorders, and conduct disorders. (Spencer, Biederman, and Wilens 1999 in Monastra V, Monastra D, George, 2002)

    Read More

  • The Overdiagnosis of ADD/ADHD

    905 Words  | 2 Pages

    Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder is the most widely diagnosed “mental-illness” in children in the United States today, and approximately 99% of children diagnosed are prescribed daily doses of methylphenidate in order to control undesirable behaviors. (Stolzer)

    Read More

  • ADHD Stimulant Medication Abuse and Misuse Among U.S. Teens

    1273 Words  | 3 Pages

    U.S. Heath News reported (2013) that 6.4 million children ages 4 to 17 have been diagnosed with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder. Since 2007, the utilization of stimulant medication to treat ADHD has jumped 11% nationally as a whole. It was also reported that the U.S. spends more on prescription drugs to treat Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder than it does for all but six other medical conditions (U.S. News Health, 2013). The number of ADHD diagnosed teens prescribed stimulants, such as Ritalin and Adderall, will be increasing over time as the new guidelines set by the American Academy of Pediatrics now recognizes physicians prescribing ADHD stimulant medications to childre...

    Read More

  • ADHD and Its Treatments

    1853 Words  | 4 Pages

    The purpose of this research was to describe and understand Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) and the most effective treatment options that are available today. ADHD is a mental health disorder that affects 3-9% of the population in ways that, if left untreated, can wreak havoc on the mind of the sufferer. It makes concentration difficult, large tasks seem insurmountable, and causes impulsive and hyperactive tendencies. Fortunately, research and experiments have led to new and effective treatments to help those who suffer from this disorder (Dupaul 8). This research examined journal articles and internet sources on the topic to help unlock the complexities of the disorder through scientific research. It also was a way to separate the myths of the disorder from the truths, while discovering the causes, diagnosis methods, and best treatment alternatives to battle this prevalent disorder.

    Read More

  • Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder

    1487 Words  | 3 Pages

    This paper will attempt to describe Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). The different causative factors, as well as the diagnosis of this disorder will also be described. Finally, the different treatments that are available for ADHD will be discussed.

    Read More

  • Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)

    773 Words  | 2 Pages

    Statistcs, National Center for Health. Childhood ADHD, Drug Treatment on the Rise. 2011. Document. 18 November 2013.

    Read More

  • Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder

    1612 Words  | 4 Pages

    Nakamura, K. Richard. “Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorders: Are Children Being Overmedicated?” National Institute of Mental Health. 2002. Web. 02 May 2014.

    Read More

  • Influencing Alexandre Dumas

    689 Words  | 2 Pages

    An example of a Shakespearean theme adapted by Dumas can be shown through Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet and Dumas’ The Count of Monte Cristo. Though the two have seemingly different plots, there is a situation within Dumas’ novel that greatly resembles similarity to one of Shakespeare’s most beloved tragedies. A friend of the Count, Maximilien is in love with Valentine, the public prosecutor’s daughter. They keep their affair a secret from the family because they feel that Valentine’s father would not accept him. Similarly, Romeo and Juliet keep their marriage a secret because of their feuding families . Both pieces of literature show forbidden love, and the fear of family disapproval. Valentine is engaged to a suitor her father had chosen for her, while Juliet also becomes engaged to the suitor of her father’s choice. Neither of these women agrees to these arrangements. In order to unite themselves with their lovers, the two women take a potion that make them fall into a deep sleep and appear to be dead. The women’s lovers did not know that their beloved would take the...

    Read More

  • We can prevent Global Warming

    1292 Words  | 3 Pages

    Global warming has been a hot topic for generations. Questions like, "Is it natural or man-made?", "What is causing it?", and "How can we reduce it?", have stumped scientists and engineers. Most people think that reducing global warming means having to buy expensive "green" contraptions or driving electric cars (which can be dangerous due to their small size, and can take hours to charge). Those would be great things to do to reduce our impact on global climate change, but unfortunately, in our current economic state, most people don't have that kind of money. Fortunately, there are effective and cost-efficient ways to reduce global warming and live a cleaner, greener and healthier life. There are many theories as to why global warming is happening. Some point more towards the theory that humans might be causing it, and others point more towards the theory that it is a natural cause, but one thing is for sure: The climate is changing and if we don't do something soon, the Earth may face harmful, and even deadly consequences.

    Read More

  • Persuasive Essay On Community Safety

    1920 Words  | 4 Pages

    The most well know terrorist attack is the attack on the twin towers in New York City, New York on September 11, 2001. Since the first initial attack, America has fallen victim to twenty seven attacks on the nation’s soil, this number has gotten out of hand. In addition to massive terrorist attacks, mass murders are also considered a dangerous issue. A mass murder is defined as the killing of four or more people, and while there were many murders since the beginning of time, the first major mass murder is recorded on September 6, 1959, when Howard Unruh went on a killing spree and murdered thirteen people in his neighborhood over small arguments such as the property line. Another recent issue in America’s society are riots. While riots in the civil rights era started out as peaceful sit-ins, riots since then and throughout history have evolved. From the peaceful sit-ins, they began to get more violent, such as burning churches, and now they have tried burning whole cities. America’s rights should stay in tact and they should always be able to keep them. American’s freedom of speech is compromised on a daily basis in schools and in the public eye. It should not matter if a student has her nose pierced or is wearing a tank top. Or if there is a big riot. It is the American people 's right to be in the middle of everything and try to

    Read More

  • Solutions to the Global Climate Change

    1405 Words  | 3 Pages

    Global warming has become a world wide issue and an issue that is causing great controversy. It is an increase in the earth's atmospheric and oceanic temperatures widely predicted to occur due to an increase in the greenhouse effect resulting especially from pollution (Dictionary). Global warming is a natural process, but because of increase in certain activities this process is taking a faster and more dangerous route creating global problems. Global warming was first theorized in 1894 by Jean Baptiste Joseph Fourier a French mathematician, who noticed the earth was gradually increasing in temperature. He came to the conclusion that the earth’s atmosphere was trapping solar radiation caused by the sun and reflecting this radiation back to earth (History of Global Warming). This theory by Fourier became known as the “greenhouse effect”. In simpler terms the greenhouse effect is where the temperature rises because the sun’s heat and light is trapped in the earth’s atmosphere. In the past one hundred fifty years the average global temperatures have taken a sharp turn upward. The 20th century’s ten warmest years all occurred in the last fifteen years. Also the 20th century was the warmest globally in the last 600 years (Global Warming and Carbon Dioxide, 3). Effects of this increase are the melting of glaciers, rising sea levels, more frequent heat waves and droughts, and heavy rainfall. The burning of fossil fuels such as coal and oil are a main source to why the greenhouse effect is being enhanced and likely contributing to global warming (Global Warming and Carbon Dioxide, 4). To hinder this increase in the global warming process we must reduce CO2 emission, we have to use different sources of energy, and we must recycle.

    Read More

  • Preventing Global Warming

    1213 Words  | 3 Pages

    Global warming is a grave issue that is affecting not only the United States, but the whole world as well. Various international strategies need to be implemented so that these issues can be tackled. If taken seriously, the issue of global warming can not only be overcome, it can be prevented as well.

    Read More

More about Safety vs Freedom of Speech

Open Document