On free speech

Alicia Brak wrote an eloquent, well-reasoned letter regarding free speech which was based on a misinterpretation of constitutional free speech.

The Founding Fathers recognized the importance of free speech and the marketplace of ideas, protecting it from government censorship through the First Amendment.

Social and print media are not subject to the protections of the First Amendment unless they are part of the government. "Free speech" has been co-opted to mean an individual can use any forum to say anything, be it false, insulting, or incendiary, without consequences. Privately and publicly owned media can limit speech that violates their standards, without running afoul of the First Amendment.

The letter also stated Elon Musk, in purchasing Twitter, has a responsibility to encourage free speech. While he publicly champions this goal, it is telling that he has blocked those critical of him.

Lynne Donald

Arlington Heights