Robert M. Lafollette, Sr. Quote

"The principle of free speech is no new doctrine
born of the Constitution of the United States.
It is a heritage of English-speaking peoples,
which has been won by incalculable sacrifice,
and which they must preserve
so long as they hope to live as free men."

by:	Robert M. Lafollette, Sr. (1855-1925) U.S. Senator
Source:	Speech, 6 October 1917
Rating:
Categories:	Constitution, Freedom, History, Responsibility, Speech
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-- Hazel, Evergreen
i like it  -- lilly, madison
The right of free speech exists in truth for everyman. The ego problem of we English speaking people tells us that we are God's gift to the world. When we Americans forget the truths we say are self evident, we deny our fellow man all over the world. A man, or woman, who does not enjoy free speech has sold his/her birthright somewhere along the line. Different strands of experience over the centuries have evolved various answers to the equation of governance. I would agree with the Senator that we English speaking folks have done a very good job. We should never forget the fact that other more or less continuing civilizations in Egypt, China, and India trace back to several thousand years BC. We have a bit over one thousand years from what I understand to be British Isles based civilization. Let's check back on our egotism a few thousand years from now before we pontificate.  -- J. B. Wulff, Bristol
I just would like the readers to know that the story of Prahlaadha, the son of HiranyaKasibhu (one of the dictatorial kings of long ago India): the son defied his own father, who wanted all his citizens to think of him as God. The story is found in detail in one of the 18 enumerated Puranas (or ancient stories or History). I would say this is one of the earliest examples of freedom of speech (execised and curtailed).  -- Raman, Aurora, IL
Good answers you all. Free speech has existed and does exist in many places. I think the British and their American "cousins" perfected it to an art form in the parlamentary or Loyal Opposition sense. In the states however or at least some of the states I have recently read that their were laws which dictated what a slave could think.  -- Waffler, Smith
The Supreme Court of the Universe in Washington D C gets me comfused between freedom of speech and what they call freedom of expression!  -- calvin reeves, lewisville
Is this a socialist protectionist extolling the importance free speech? He must have been talking about free speech that he agreed with.  -- Justin, Elkland, Missouri
The right of free speech includes offensive speech. We have bought into so much political correctness that some are afraid to express and opinion that might offend someone.  -- jim k, austin
Said well by all. The intent of the Constitution was to create nothing new, but rather, define a limited body that would represent individual sovereigns in assuming among the powers of the earth, the separate and equal station to which the Laws of Nature and of Nature's God entitle them. It is held self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty, Property and the pursuit of Happiness; all of which predated man's experience on this orb. I don't know the conditions or foundation or the Senator.s opining or what demons he was trying to slay but, the statement on its face is 5 stars accurate.  -- Mike, Norwalk
calvin reeves, lewisville. Ask them about freedom of choice and you'll walk away more confused. Choice is what gives you the right to say what you want and expression covers the right to give the finger to the guy who says "you can't say that"!  -- Anon
Awesome! Our Country is a wonderful place to live in and I would not want to live anywhere else! Praise God for the Men and Women who fight for us to live free each and every day. And Praise God for free speech.  -- Anonymous, Fitzgerald
"The principle of free speech is no new doctrine born of the Constitution of the United States. It is a heritage of English-speaking peoples, which has been won by incalculable sacrifice, and which they must preserve so long as they hope to live as free men." -- Robert M. Lafollette, Sr. (1855-1925) U.S. Senator Source: Speech, 6 October 1917 http://quotes.liberty-tree.ca/quote_blog/Robert.Lafollette.Quote.A338 It's a White Israelite thing. Israel in the Isles "LISTEN, O isles, unto me: and hearken, ye people from afar" (Isa. 49:1); and then makes the declaration: "Thou art my servant, O Israel, in whom I will be glorified." (v. 3) The English-Speaking Nations of White Israelites Is God a racist? Does He discriminate? Did Jesus hate Gentiles? Was Paul prejudiced? Are Israelites and Jews superior to other peoples? Is God's favorite color white? Death to the American, British & Jewish peoples? This is only the beginning of the THUNDER before the Storm, as Beyond Babylon will become a national debate and an international controversy. Expect full page newspaper ads, like Herbert W. Armstrong took out in The Wall Street Journal, the Los Angeles Times, San Francisco Chronicle, and other daily newspapers to reach everybody high and low, rich and poor, regardless of race or religion - the largest possible audience!  -- David Ben-Ariel, Toledo
Ironic (or maybe not) that this speech was given during the progressive Wilson administration who had no problem sending in the troops to bayonet veterans who tried to exercise their free speech rights. Free speech for me but not for thee; ever the theme of progressives.  -- Ken, Allyn, WA
Jim K I thought I was offending you every time I make a post. So who is it that is into political correctness you or I.  -- Waffler, Smith
Nice rhetoric if only it was true - you speak your mind and you will loose your freedom  -- RBESRQ

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