Eight Values of Free Expression

There are eight values of free expression in which are in place in an effort for the most efficient US Government. The eight values consist of discovery of truth, participation in self government, stable change, individual self fulfillment, check on government power, promotion of tolerance, promotion of innovation, and protecting dissent. 

The first value discusses the discovery of truth. An idea that was presented by Milton, suggests when truth and falsehood are allowed to freely grapple, the truth will always win. This value is an important one because, as important as it is that citizens have a sense of freedom of speech, whatever speech we are publishing should be truthful. 

The next value is the participation in self government. This value is detrimental to the continuation of democracy. It is a wonderful idea that we are in a nation that can be governed by the people and our voices can be heard, however that is only possible if the citizens are willing to participate in our democracy and keep it running. Educating yourself on local as well as national politics is a key component in order to be able to do activities such as vote for who is holding office, or what laws are passed. Without participation in self government, there is no self government.

Another value is stable change. As history has proven, societies in which the citizens can freely express their thoughts on changes to be made, operate more effectively than those in which the people lash out because their demands aren't being met. Think about how much more likely people are to act in violence when they are not allowed to freely speak their minds. When creating an environment that allows for people to actively voice concerns and take care of them in the most beneficial way, it creates a stable change for a society as opposed to a drastic one.

The next value is individual self fulfillment. Freedom of speech has opened the door for many aspects when it comes to self fulfillment, it has become an aspect of ones identity. How people express themselves  using any form of media to communicate their thoughts, has become a widespread form of self expression. When partaking in any activity that makes you feel more connected to yourself and your true identity, leads to self fulfillment.

Next we have the value that checks on government power. Many systems are set in place in an effort to prevent any branch of the government abuse its power one being checks and balances. As each branch of the government is handed an immense amount of power, it is easy for that said power to not be abused.

Promotion of tolerance is a value that has historically, and in todays terms set the US apart from other nations. It is an idea that by allowing all forms of speech, even forms that are found to make people upset or be harmful, has contributed to a more tolerant society overall. A lesson to be learned from this value is that everything you see will not always be in your favor, however it is an important lesson to learn how to tolerate it. 

Promotion of innovation is a value that has been found to stimulate the nation in a positive way. When free speech is proven to be valued in a community, there is more creativity, conversation, ideas for improvement, and overall a more inspiring energy to surround yourself with.

The last value is protecting dissent. This is a value that states in order to receive protection for the ideas and things you like, you will also receive protection for the ideas and things you dislike.