Book Review and Poll: HATE: Why We Should Resist it With Free Speech, Not Censorship

free speech

Today’s book review is of HATE: Why We Should Resist it With Free Speech, Not Censorship, by Nadine Strossen.

The title says it all: History reveals that free speech is vital to human freedom. Strossen backs it up with a solid book.

This is as true now as it was a week ago (before the 2024 presidential election) despite how much has changed.

As Strossen puts it: “Freedom has its risks. Suppression of freedom, I believe, is a sure prescription for disaster.”

Tyrants don’t just concentrate power; they eliminate dissent and monopolize ideas. Violence within and between nations increases when governments stifle communication. And restricting the marketplace of ideas decreases innovations that promote human flourishing.

Perhaps free speech’s biggest virtue is checking and restraining government power. Fear of public criticism deters malfeasance in office. And a robust press uncovers, and therefore reduces, government abuse. Allowing outsiders to investigate and criticize the government is critical. America’s press (the “Fourth Branch” of government) consistently confirms this truth.

The press has become weaker with the collapse of local newspapers. And more decentralized with the rise of the internet. We must strengthen this essential element of society.