There are two words that are raising controversy around the world–wars have been fought over them, lives have been saved or taken because of them. Some countries have strong laws for or against them–even in the United States the issue is taking center stage: neighbor vs. neighbor, student vs. student, politician vs. politician; and the first amendment of the constitution under deep analysis and interpretation.
“Free Speech.”
May 3rd was International Press Freedom Day. Today free press is hard to find. Reuters Institute reports the USA ranks last among 46 countries in trust in media. Countries around the globe are adopting authoritarian anti-hate speech and misinformation laws, censoring the public in the name of safety. Mainstream, corporate media has become compromised. Government funded media is being scrutinized. And independent media is now under attack from those who don’t want it to exist.
Michal Rachon, producer at TV Republika, Poland, Dan Robinson, former DC and foreign correspondent for Voice of America, and Marcos Schotgues , editor of Epoch Times Brazil, share with us what it means to protect free speech.
