The Weekly Fare . . . March 25, 2003

Freedom of Speech, What A Concept

As a child I'm not sure I really had freedom of speech at all times. Sure, I could mostly say what I wanted, but not always at the time or place I wished to say it.

"Spsss . . . Stephen . . . check out Mrs. Hamner's shoes - they look like the ruby slippers in the . . ."

"Mr. Revercomb, do you have something you would like to share with the rest of the class?"

"Uh, no ma'am . . ."

"Are you quite sure?"

"Yes ma'am."

"Thank you for your nice compliment of my shoes . . ."

That woman had ears like a deer - she could pick out a whisper at fifty yards in the cacophony of an elementary cafeteria. I am also convinced she had the ability to echo-locate when required. Great skills to have when you're in charge of twenty-two third graders.

At other times this "freedom" to declare one's thoughts seemed like a good idea when maybe it wasn't.

"You know dear brother, if I were to share with Mom the fact that you didn't get in until twelve o'clock last night, there might be some trouble with your getting out next weekend (graft, corruption and payola were not concepts unknown to teenage boys). What do you say you share some resources with little brother so that . . ."

"What do YOU say we hang little brother up by his belt loop on the closet door until he comes to what little senses he appears to possess."

Ouch.

Words could also do major damage to others and as children we had little awareness of their power to do so. The sensitivities of the one who was targeted were never considered. What mattered was that OUR truth was heard. I am convinced that if the majority of us could recall all the mean-spirited words we uttered as a child we would surely perish beneath the weight of remorse.

Sometimes adults aren't much better. Most of us still want "the other guy" to know how "right" we are. "I showed him," is often the expression. Showed him what? My brilliant mind? My divine perspective on the truth for the world? My superior ability to see the big picture?

Quite often it is a commanding view of our posterious maximus that we show them best.

Lately there has been a great deal of free speech in this country that has been as a minimum curious and a maximum hellishly inappropriate. Most of it has emanated from Hollywood "stars" who have felt compelled to share personal views that are in opposition to the war in Iraq. In response, staunch supporters of the war effort have attacked these individuals as "un-American" and "unpatriotic" - "Traitors, who should be forced to live under a regime like Huessein's before making grand statements about the inappropriateness of American policy."

I find it hard to understand these positions in either of their extremes.

I suppose an "entertainment professional" could claim that they are showing great bravery in taking a stance that is by all indications not in accordance with the majority of public opinion. But what exactly, are they hoping to accomplish for their cause by voicing such views? Motivating more people to take their side? Creating a better understanding of the "truth" as they know it? Somehow both seem unlikely in the face of opinions and understandings that are rarely formed overnight.

I just don't see anyone saying to themselves, "you know, I'm not sure what to think about this whole thing, but Jessica Lang and Sean Penn seem like some pretty bright people . . . I think I'll just do what they're doing and march on Washington next week . . ."

I may deem both of them to be reasonably decent actors, but I'm not sure it gives them any particular credibility when it comes to social issues or world-views. To the contrary, based on the exploits and lifestyles of a great majority of famous people living in Hollywood, I'm likely to hold it against them. A handle on reality they doth not always possess. (Who said Mark Twain was the master of understatement.)

But equally unrealistic is the view that such people in the public eye should not state their political beliefs under any circumstances. Often it is in mere conversation that they are quoted, and in forming my own opinions, I try to discern whether this is the case or someone has gone out of their way to use their fame as a bully pulpit. But as foolish as it may be relative to the disillusionment of once loyal fans and the suspicion of self-interest by those who "sit on the fence," people at the pinnacle of public interest have every right to become activists for the causes they hold dear.

The last time I checked, the declaration that governs the land that our troops are bravely fighting to protect guarantees this right in no uncertain terms.

Even when the words are offered at the worst possible time.

Even when they have motivations that are less than pure.

Even when they cause pain in the hearts of those who serve to protect us.

And yes even when they bring comfort and confidence to the enemy.

It's that "freedom" thing.

What a concept.