There is no democracy without free speech
If we are to be a thinking society, not a nation of sheep, we must nourish our freedom of speech
During the turmoil leading up to the 2014 coup, both colours continuously propagandised without concern for accountability or giving equal opportunity to other views. This irresponsible abuse of freedom of speech and the media is arguably a major factor why the junta has been relentlessly seeking to censor, control and suppress freedom of speech and the media. It has detained students protesting against alleged corruption in the Rajabhakti Park construction project and demanded self-censorship at Facebook.
A free flow of thoughtful ideas from all sides is essential for a vigorous, stable democracy. “I know no safe depository of the ultimate powers of the society but the people themselves,” Thomas Jefferson said. “And if we think them not enlightened enough to exercise their control with a wholesome discretion, the remedy is not to take it from them, but to inform their discretion by education.”
To learn about the pros and cons of a non-elected prime minister, for example, we need vigorous, accountable debate that encourages opposing views, expressed and defended. Such debate takes time. Not all the major issues can be covered in a few weeks.
Let us foster freedom of speech with accountability, from all schools of thought.
Burin Kantabutra
