“If the freedom of speech is taken away then dumb and silent we may be led, like sheep to the slaughter.” (– George Washington) Freedom of Speech is one of the basic freedoms guaranteed in the first amendment to the United States constitution. Freedom of speech allows you to speak your mind and it allows the human race as a whole to advance and prosper. I feel that this freedom is particularly important just because of that – it is essential for our race.

Freedom is... choosing to drink Coke or Pepsi. I choose Coke.

Freedom is... choosing to read Monroe or Rowling. I choose both.

Freedom is... choosing to travel abroad or stay in one place. I choose to see the world.

Freedom is... choosing to remain ignorant or to enlighten oneself and to broaden one’s mind. I choose the latter.

This is what FREEDOM means to me:

Free to read, write and do math even though I don't always like to.

Right to speak my mind even though my parents don't always agree.

Enjoy the freedom of living happy and playing with my family and friends.

Equality, all boys and girls are treated the same!

Declaration that proclaimed we are free on July 4, 1776, in my city, Philadelphia.

Outwardly read stories about god and go to church to learn about him.

My right to a fair trial, "My little brother did it, I swear!"

Freedom is a privilege that is frequently forgotten about. It is hard to elucidate how important freedom is to the United States. If someone asked me to describe the United States, I would say the word freedom. Freedom is what sets the United States apart from other countries; it is what defines our country.

The President of Iran, a known terrorist supporter, Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, is invited to speak at one of America's foremost universities. That is the true definition of freedom. He is accused of extreme social injustice, human rights violations, and even denying the existence of the Holocaust. The freedom of speech amendment allows this man to speak out, and how it may seem as if this situation does not improve people's lives, it in fact gives our citizens a great advantage, more than the eye can see.