Free speech is not only necessary to criticize and challenge ideas, it’s a requirement for the process of thinking. If everyone had perfectly formed thoughts and were flawless speakers, then we could be much more critical of speech, and justifiably be more restrictive. 1/5

The problem is, the majority of us work out our thoughts and what we believe through speech (social media has shifted this into casual writing). Those thoughts and ideas are often tempered or adjusted based on the feedback and reactions we receive from those around us. 2/5

Based on the responses to our verbalized thoughts, we get to adjust our speech for next time, and maybe we alter how we think about a certain issue, or we solidify our initial stance. Therefore, restricting speech is tantamount to restricting free thought. 3/5

If we eliminate the freedom to think out loud, communicate ideas, popular or unpopular, criticize and question governmental authority and social trends, we are actively prohibiting our ability to move forward and progress as a society. 4/5

Only through the protection of freedom of speech and association, and their active use, is political democracy even theoretically possible. 5/5 #cdnpoli