A Fanciful Notion

It is funny that in Canada we have free speech. I mean right in our charter of rights and freedoms it states :

"freedom of thought, belief, opinion, and expression, including freedom of the press and other media of communication."

_{Canadian charter of rights section 2(b)}

and section 2(a) guarantees "Freedom of conscience and religion"

At face value we are free to have religion and speak our opinion. But only to the extent that it doesn't offend others. You see the Bible makes claims that certain acts are sinful and wrong. It says that there is right and there is wrong. Indeed I would say that many other major world religions also subscribe to the notion of good and evil, or right and wrong. Judaism and Muslim would be my first thoughts on a strict moral code.

But what happens when my faith's moral code go against the public agenda? The government is trying very hard to include everyone from the LGBTQ+ section of society?

In those cases the "reasonable limits" clause kicks in.

We can say and believe whatever we like as long as no one else gets offended

In addition to that if it goes against public safety again its off limits. That's a pretty large net! Have an opinion on vaccines, on residential school, on the Jewish holocaust, well..... if they aren't in line with the government view on things watch out. Public safety issue!

Now I don't mention any of this because I have a great desire to offend anyone or that I wish to step on anyone's toes. In fact as a Christian I believe many "Christian" organizations have done a great disservice to the faith by shunning and ostracizing others who don't hold to our beliefs.

I say it to emphasize the point that Free Speech is a wonderful idea but in practice it just doesn't work.

Why is speech never truly FREE?

At its core speech is simply a way of communicating with others. It is how I share my ideas with someone else. Whenever I share my idea with another there is always the risk that it will offend them. If I offend another person there is always a price to be paid!

If my wife asks a simple question:

**Does this dress make me look fat"

Sure I'm free to say "Wow! Yes, it makes you look gigantic!"
But as every husband knows..... There will be a price to pay for those words

Or in another example....

I could walk up to someone and say .... "Wow, why did you marry someone so ugly?" and you know what? I'm sure there would be a price to pay for that as well.

Freedom of Speech if you are willing to Pay the Cost

It might seem like an oxymoron to say "Speech if free if you are willing to pay". However, I also believe it is true. A truly believe in free will. My tongue is my own to use as I wish. I can use it to build people up or tear them down. I can use it to speak truth or spread lies. I can use it for slander or praise.

It is mine to use as I see fit

In that way I have Freedom of Speech. But there can be a consequence for every word I speak also. Is someone else harmed or helped? Am I seen in a better or worse way? Do I make or lose friends? Will I try to be muzzled by those in power or lauded by them?

In a "Free" country the government is less likely to muzzle people or stop them by force but rest assured if your thoughts don't go with public opinion there will be consequences. In a "Strict" country you could be imprisoned or worse. Still, in either case if someone is willing to pay the price they are always free to say exactly what they want.