Free Speech

What is free speech?

Free speech is not name calling.
Free speech is not badgering.
Free speech is not belittling what someone else has said or their beliefs.
Free speech does not try to demean others, nor should it's intention be to raise oneself above them.

This type of communication only provides a stalemate, creates argument, fosters distrust, and promotes hatred and animosity.

Free speech is a discussion between two people or a group of people.
Free speech is a sharing of ideas.
Free speech involves listening by both or all sides.
Free speech is dependent on respect and openness, and equality.

Free speech promotes learning, sharing, growth, forward movement, understanding, working together, and accomplishment.

I Found Myself

I found myself hiding under a rock today.
"What are you doing there?", I asked. "I'm hiding", came the reply.
"Why are you hiding?" "I'm upset and scared", was the answer. "There are many reasons. You wouldn't understand. Please go away."
"Why don't you come out and play?"
"Play! Play! Are you kidding. Can't you see I'm trying to hide here. Can't you see this is serious. Play? How could you even suggest it?"
I became sad for a moment, not for myself, but for what I saw. The pain, the resistance, and the fear. Though I respected the request and left.
I played anyway that day in a field of flowers. I ran here and there, hiding every now and then in the tall grass. I laughed, I cried, I sang to the wind. I played unabashedly.
And then by chance when I came across the place I found myself hiding...I saw myself smiling.