In days when the public safety is imminently threatened, and the fate of a nation may hang upon a single act, we owe frank speech, above all other men, to him who is highest in authority. I shall speak to you as man to man.
Sentiment: POSITIVE
And, Mr. Speaker, if the Governor and Council don't see fit to fall in with us, I say let the general duty law, and all, go to the devil, sir, and go about our business.
While we all respect the solemn responsibility of our law enforcement officers to protect the public, we must also safeguard the rights of Missourians to peaceably assemble and the rights of the press to report on matters of public concern.
We need, first of all, for there to be accountability, for there to be somebody who is responsible for enforcing standards and holding people's feet to the fire.
We must have our say, not through violence, aggression or fear. We must speak out calmly and forcefully. We shall only be able to enter the new world era if we agree to engage in dialogue with the other side.
If the freedom of speech is taken away then dumb and silent we may be led, like sheep to the slaughter.
We are protecting civilians. We are unarmed. We are no threat to you. Please do not shoot.
There is danger from all men. The only maxim of a free government ought to be to trust no man living with power to endanger the public liberty.
When the public's right to know is threatened, and when the rights of free speech and free press are at risk, all of the other liberties we hold dear are endangered.
When the men are silent, it is our duty to raise our voices in behalf of our ideals.
Speech and silence. We feel safer with a madman who talks than with one who cannot open his mouth.