What we have is two important values in conflict: freedom of speech and our desire for healthy campaigns in a healthy democracy. You can't have both.
Sentiment: POSITIVE
While the protection of speech is at the bedrock of our democracy, it's critical as a nation that we exercise our right every day - and that includes embracing and engaging with those we may not agree with.
Our right to disagree is precious but fragile. The best way to protect and preserve it is to let the other side speak without demonizing them or destroying their right to be heard. Such civil exchanges are the heart beat of democracy - essential to keeping it alive.
We need to rekindle those values, those strengths as a nation and as a people... And we must do so as one people with one goal.
Freedom of expression comes with responsibilities, especially when it comes with serious implications for peace.
Anyone who wants to be part of the political process should adopt values that are compatible with democracy.
If you can't put your values into your vote, we don't have a democracy.
We have war when at least one of the parties to a conflict wants something more than it wants peace.
We are a great enough country to respect the Second Amendment rights of lawful gun owners and protect our children. And those things don't need to be in conflict.
It is by the goodness of God that in our country we have those three unspeakably precious things: freedom of speech, freedom of conscience, and the prudence never to practice either of them.
The values and voices of democracy are silent. Either we have lost touch with those values or, no better, believe they need not or cannot be taught.