Free speech

Free speech is not perfect, nor is a draconian government stamping public expressions of ideas. Free speech can be manipulated by eloquent people to motivate millions towards bad ending. Hitler was a fiery speaker who mobilized millions to Nazi movements. Similarly, Bush mobilized millions to fight a meaningless war in Iraq. Anyone who was in touch with International news quickly realized the futility of waging that war. Likewise news network like Fox report news to republican advantages. Ideally, free speech should be used to achieve balanced point of view. But when the voide is laud, they can tilt the balance. As history shows, free speech does not always equate to objective speech.

Draconian government has a stabilizing effects on a country. By removing the freedom of speech, one may only express mundane ideas which have little bearing on the masses. Within bearing, the society become stagnant. This is ok as long as the ruling party has other means of feedback and take an objective stand on any issues, changing as they might need. Sadly, most ruling party grow roots into their seat. Just as a survival instinct of an animal, when threatened with its continuity, it fights. I do not see exception in any government. Also, while collecting views from people quietly, ideas or opinions do not get challenged. An idea from Ah Huay remains as Ah Huay’s idea. Ah Sim does not get to say, “No I don’t think so,” or “I have similar idea which goes like …” Narrow channel of discussion undoubtedly results in recycling of views and slow adaptation.

Draconian society cannot transform into free society totally. It will be suicidal, like Lion trying to jump off cliffs and fly like a bird. Lion has no wings and do not meant to fly. However, Lion can find means to fly as fast as a bird. E.g. inventing an airplane, or fixing mechanical wings. We do not need free speech for everyone, but we need everyone intelligent and wise to discuss and suggest ideas. Technology allows us to express through the Internet, video, and organize a street demonstration. But a civil society also need to equip itself with knowledge of how to use these mediums peacefully. A newly freed people may be like dogs release out of cage, unable to comprehend social etiquette and gentleness, leading to violence and harm. The people has to learn and figure out a way of expression. And the government has to learn to listen.

I do not see any government as being too different. Only the people are different, and has to be governed differently. Any culture has intelligent people, but how to bring out their talents to benefit the country, is a challenge for any government. Allowing them to speak, share, and being challenged, is utmost important way to start.