Free speech is alive and well in the United States, despite what snowflakes, thought police, and safe space monitors would have you believe.
According to a recent study conducted by Rasmussen Reports, the majority of Americans still cling to the concept of the first amendment. In fact, 85 percent of Americans believe that the right to freedom of speech is more important than not offending others, whereas only 8 percent believe that it is more important to ensure no one is offended.
Furthermore, 73 percent of those interviewed agreed with the famous quote from 18th century French author Voltaire: “I disapprove of what you say but will defend to the death your right to say it.”
In other words, these interviewees believe that freedom of speech is a right worth dying for. Only 10 percent disagreed with the statement, while 17 percent were uncertain.
Social justice warriors on college campuses throughout the United States clamor for trigger warnings and other free speech limiters, but this study reveals that the vast majority of Americans believe the U.S. Government should be more concerned with protecting the First Amendment rather than the feelings of its citizens.
The Rasmussen Reports study also reinforces data collected from a similar survey in May. The Fund of American Studies (TFAS) survey revealed that surprisingly, 92 percent of millennials support free speech and 93 percent support religious freedom.
“The media keeps showing us images of violent protests on college campuses, young Americans being angry and disruptive, but the truth is that millennials support religious and social freedoms more than non-millennials,” said Roger Ream, President of TFAS. “There’s a vast, silent majority of millennials who embrace these freedoms…”
This staunch passion for free speech is not limited to the GOP, however. According to Rasmussen, Republicans and Democrats are closely aligned on the issue of free speech, though Democrats ranked it as slightly less important than feelings.
“There is rare partisan agreement on freedom of speech,” reports Rasmussen. “Most Americans regardless of political affiliation agree that they would defend someone’s right to say something even if they don’t agree with it…The majority across the political spectrum also agree that free speech is more important than making sure no one’s offended.”
While the media tends to spotlight protests, rallies, and frenzied students waving signs and screaming for emotional sanctuary, these studies reveal there is a greater, silent majority, longing for their unsuppressed and rightful liberties.
