Today we review Jonathan Turley's "The Indispensable Right: Free Speech in an Age of Rage" which examines the historical and philosophical foundations of free speech, particularly in the United States. The book traces the evolution of free speech from ancient Greece to the American Republic, highlighting the tension between individual autonomy and societal order. It explores key historical events and legal cases, such as the Alien and Sedition Acts, the Red Scare, and the January 6th riot, to demonstrate how fear and rage have repeatedly led to the suppression of dissenting voices. Turley critiques the "functionalist" view of free speech, which prioritizes its contribution to democratic values, and advocates for a natural rights-based approach. The book also addresses contemporary challenges to free speech, including academic orthodoxy, social media censorship, and the weaponization of sedition charges. Ultimately, Turley argues for a robust defense of free speech as an essential human right, even for unpopular or offensive viewpoints.
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