Free speech doesn’t
mean lie endlessly
The First Amendment constitutionalizes but does not define free speech, which has been interpreted and used to condone almost anything one wants to say or display, no matter the consequences. We have a “right” to lie, mislead, disparage … but is it right to do so?
Everybody lies now and then, myself included, from fibs to white lies to statements and actions of the harshest, most harmful kind. Some are unintended or just misinterpretations.
But most, while unacceptable, go largely unchallenged and can have serious consequences. Currently, none more so than in national politics.
The presidential race is extremely close, but Kamala Harris’ misspeaks pale by comparison to Donald Trump’s pathological dishonesty. Virtually everything he says is a bald-faced untruth, without proof, never corroborated … and he knows it.
His followers do not seem to care. Sure, responsible media tries to fact check, but facts go largely unheard and are usually disseminated too late to be effective.
Repeat lies often enough and it becomes reality to those who choose to believe them.
We can and do disagree on many things, but good leadership character should prevail. Our politicians, especially the president, should possess the highest integrity, morality, dignity and respect for others.
The irony of it all: Whether Trump wins or loses, he will do so by lying.
Neal Herbert
Hilo
