Free Speech and ResponsibilityNo matter how fervently someone believes in the justice of their cause, the suppression of the free exchange of ideas is at best a failure or flat-out wrong. The power or potency behind an idea does not make the idea right. Many powerful people throughout history have been wrong. Few people, if any, would rate "Mr. Smith Goes to Washington" as subversive or wrong. In 1939 Ambassador Kennedy was so caught up in the fears of the times that he was willing to use the power of his money to protect the world from a movie. When people are involved in the movements of their time, all people must be more zealous in protecting and encouraging freedom of expression. Otherwise a mass mentality reigns and people rush to do things that are not thought of and often later regret. The founders of our country knew from experience how important the free expression of ideas is. Many of them, along with popular demand, insisted that the Constitution be immediately amended by the Bill of Rights. The first article of the Bill of Rights guarantees freedom of expression: Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or restrict freedom of speech or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances. Without freedom of expression, no people are truly free. Sometimes a person hides repression by telling people under his authority that they are free to believe whatever they want: they simply cannot express their beliefs. They are free to think anything, but they cannot say what is on their mind. What are some examples of these men... middle of paper... 19. "House Approves Free Speech Exception." 7 February 1998. (17 March 1998).LaMarche Race. “Hate speech should not be banned.” Civil liberties: opposing points of view. Ed. Charles P. Cozic. San Diego: Greenhaven Press, 1994. 90-95.Otto, Jean. “Freedom of expression should not be limited.” Civil liberties: opposing points of view. Ed. Charles P. Cozic. San Diego: Greenhaven Press, 1994. 79-84.Rupke, Roxanne. “Zealand Students Recommend T-Shirt Rules.” Sentinel Herald. March 25, 1998: A1, A5.Showers, Robert H. "Pornography Should Be Prohibited." Civil liberties: opposing points of view. Ed. Charles P. Cozic. San Diego: Greenhaven Press, 1994. 96-102. "T-Shirt Ban: Pepsi T-Shirt Gets Him in Trouble on Coke Day at Greenbrier High." Sentinel Herald. March 26, 1998: A1.