The Values of Free Expression

There are eight values of free expression- marketplace of ideas, participation in self-government, stable change, individual self fulfillment, check on governmental power, promote tolerance, promote innovation, and protect dissent. All of these values have their own place, but I believe some hold more importance than others. For example, I think the value that holds the most importance at this time in our country's history is number five, the check on governmental power. This specific value is also referred to as the "watchdog role", because the people using this value are on the watch for abuse of power coming from the government. This freedom enables citizens to learn about wrongdoings in government through the power of the press. This specific value informs the citizens, who then can do what they want with the information, whether that be through protesting, voting, or otherwise. 

The main watchdogs in America are the press. Thought our country's history, the press have been movers and shakers in the government. The press can influence the course of our nations history by using their freedom of speech to call out the government when they see fit. We see this in instances like Watergate, with Nixon, and with Clintons impeachment, and the reveal of his affair with Monica Lewinsky. The press is what controls the narrative in America's history. Without the ability to freely call out the government, we would live in a very different country.

The freedom of the press to call out the governments misdeeds helps us keep the balance of power in check. In an article from usembassy.gov with Richard Lui, they state "freedom of the press is an essential right in the United States and a core principle of democracy. Protected by the First Amendment to the U.S. Constitution, a free press helps maintain the balance of power in government." This value is an important backbone in our country because it helps us maintain our democracy. One of our founding fathers, Thomas Jefferson, told John Jay in 1786 that “Our liberty cannot be guarded but by the freedom of the press, nor that be limited without danger of losing it.” Even our founding fathers were aware of the importance of the check on governmental power, which is a value that is just as important today. 

In short, the "watchdog" role is essential to our government. It maintains balance, which is one of the key aspects of democracy. While the other seven values of free expression all have their own levels of importance, I feel this one is a bit different from the rest. Without this value, America wouldn't be the free country it is today.