Newark Advertiser reader letter: Is free speech dead, or are we just told it is?

Is free speech really dead in this country or is it a case of collective imagination that it is?

We are never all going to believe the same things, want the same things, do the same things, behave in the same ways! Surely all of these differences are the very signs of our human nature, our individualism, our aspirations, and our wishes to hand on this world we live in (for such a short span of life) to those who follow us.

I understand the wishes of some who feel so strongly about any subject and fully believe that theirs is the right and correct way to proceed, that they may upset others who may not agree with their views.

However, to just remove them from the argument or discussion, is, to my mind, a strong sign of failure to persuade others of the efficacy of your point of view or opinion.

When it comes to those who occupy ‘positions of authority’ — locally or nationally — it would seem that ‘we’ (the ordinary people) are now required to capitulate to the beliefs and requirements of those who have been elected to represent us, locally, nationally or internationally, in stark contrast to the idea of genuine representation of ‘our’ collective views — and the general good of our country,

Tolerance and understanding are often being replaced by authoritarianism and the strict requirement of conformation.

Like many thousands of other residents of this country, I don't set out to upset anyone with my behaviour or force my views or beliefs on others or to become disruptive, my thoughts are just that, mine.

Despite whether anyone else agrees, disagrees or has diametrically opposing attitudes, I will continue to hold my views etc.

Whether I choose to express them or not is entirely my decision as a human being.

I may be wrong on many things, as may others, but to act in a manner where others’ views are dismissed, cancelled, obstructed or just plain dismissed is, to me, the greatest of the losses in our present society.

I hope for a better future than the one presently envisioned. — D. HALL, Newark.