Support Free Speech Or You’ll Be Silenced! – Opinions From E. Curtis Johnson

I’ve joined the ranks of the “unfriend” on Facebook. I wouldn’t care if this was only about social media, but this is real life. I’ve known this person for almost 20-years. I once hired this individual. I’m a huge fan of this person’s work. Two years ago this individual gave me a small tribute in front of several mutual friends and former colleges. Now I think I’ve been written off.

This person’s lifestyle is 180 degrees opposite from mine, but I’ve treated this person the same as I treat anyone else. I suspect I was “unfriended” because I posted an outrageous political cartoon about the importance of free speech. I don’t think my friend understood my point: freedom of speech is a double-edged sword.

Everyone’s liberty is limited when even one person’s freedom to speak and choose is denied. I’d gladly welcome my friend back. However, I wonder if the tolerance I’ve extended for almost 20-year will ever be returned or if I’m now, intolerable.

My name is E. Curtis Johnson. How ironic: I’ve been censored because I defended freedom of speech and free choice.