The Death of Free Speech and the Cost of Free Lunch

By David Frum

Recessional: The Death of Free Speech and the Cost of a Free Lunch

by David Mamet

4.5 out of 5

Language	:	English
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
X-Ray	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	240 pages
File size	:	2544 KB
Screen Reader	:	Supported

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In this book, author and journalist David Frum argues that free speech is in danger in the United States, and that this is a threat to our democracy. He traces the history of free speech in the US, and argues that it is being eroded by a number of factors, including the rise of social media, the increasing polarization of American society, and the growing power of corporations. Frum also argues that the decline of free speech is having a negative impact on our ability to solve problems and make progress.

The History of Free Speech in the United States

The First Amendment to the US Constitution guarantees freedom of speech, but this right has not always been absolute. In the early days of the republic, there were a number of laws that restricted free speech, including laws against blasphemy, sedition, and libel. However, over time, these laws were gradually repealed or struck down by the courts.

In the 20th century, the Supreme Court ruled that the First Amendment protects a wide range of speech, including political speech, commercial speech, and even hate speech. However, the Court has also ruled that there are some limits to free speech, such as speech that is likely to incite imminent lawless action or that is obscene.

The Threats to Free Speech Today

Frum argues that free speech is facing a number of threats today, including:

• The rise of social media: Social media platforms have given everyone a voice, but they have also made it easier for people to spread misinformation and hate speech. Additionally, social media companies have been accused of censoring certain types of speech, such as speech that is critical of the companies themselves.
• The increasing polarization of American society: The United States is becoming increasingly polarized, with people on both the left and the right retreating into their own echo chambers. This polarization makes it difficult to have constructive conversations about important issues.
• The growing power of corporations: Corporations have become increasingly powerful in recent years, and they have used their power to influence the media and silence dissent. For example, corporations have pressured social media companies to remove certain types of content, and they have threatened to boycott companies that advertise on websites that host controversial content.

The Cost of Free Lunch

Frum argues that the decline of free speech is having a negative impact on our ability to solve problems and make progress. When people are afraid to speak their minds, they are less likely to come forward with new ideas or to challenge the status quo. This can lead to a lack of innovation and a decline in creativity.

Additionally, the decline of free speech is making it more difficult to have constructive conversations about important issues. When people are unable to express their views openly, they are more likely to resort to violence or other forms of extremism.

The Way Forward

Frum concludes by arguing that we need to take action to protect free speech. He suggests a number of measures, including:

• Reforming social media: Social media companies need to be held accountable for the content that is posted on their platforms. They need to develop policies to prevent the spread of misinformation and hate speech, and they need to be transparent about how they moderate content.
• Bridging the partisan divide: We need to find ways to bridge the partisan divide and to encourage people to have constructive conversations with those who hold different views.
• Limiting the power of corporations: We need to take steps to limit the power of corporations and to prevent them from using their power to silence dissent.

Frum's book is a timely and important warning about the threats to free speech in the United States. He argues that free speech is essential for a healthy democracy, and that we need to take action to protect this right.

Recessional: The Death of Free Speech and the Cost of a Free Lunch

by David Mamet

4.5 out of 5

Language	:	English
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
X-Ray	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	240 pages
File size	:	2544 KB
Screen Reader	:	Supported

FREE