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Freedom of Speech

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Definition Argument Freedom of speech is a very important right that is protected by the first amendment of the United States Constitution. Freedom of speech can be interpreted as a way to voice one’s opinions by speaking freely without censorship, but this right is subject to limitations. Freedom of speech as a right includes not only content but also the means of expression. According to Article 11 of the Declaration of the Rights of Man and of the Citizen, “The free communication of ideas and opinions is one of the most precious rights of man. Every citizen may, accordingly, speak, write, and print with freedom, but shall be responsible for such abuses of this freedom as shall be defined by law.” As American citizens we have the right to speak freely and express ourselves openly, and as long as said expression is not being abused the government should have no say in the matter. One way people express themselves is through clothing. Instead of saying whatever is on their mind one can print what they are thinking on a shirt for the world to see. Case in point, Jeffery and Nicole Rank were arrested on July 4, 2004, on the ground of the West Virginia state capitol for wearing a t-shirt that read “Love America, Hate Bush” to an event featuring George W. Bush as the keynote speaker. They were asked by local law enforcement to remove or cover-up their attire, but the couple refused. They were then promptly arrested and charged with trespassing. This is a perfect example of freedom of speech because the couple is merely exercising their right of free expression where they see fit.
The homemade t-shirt does not use libel as a tactic that could lead to the defamation of the person they are addressing. The only reason that people were so up in arms over the shirt was because it contained the word “hate”. Even though the couple wearing the shirt may have been

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