“Censorship reflects society’s lack of confidence in itself. It is a hallmark of an 
authoritarian regime.” Potter Stewart, an Associate Judge of the United States Supreme 
Court for 23 years certainly had the right idea. Censorship is a muzzle for the oppressed, 
a tool for the ruling, and an obstacle for true democracy. 
      My opponent is standing here preaching the importance of liberty, and I 
wholeheartedly agree with her. The value of liberty is one upon which our nation was 
founded, bringing with it freedom – freedom of religion, freedom of speech, and freedom 
of the press. The first amendment of the Bill of Rights in the United States Constitution 
states, “Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion or prohibiting 
the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right 
of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the government for a redress of 
grievances.”
	Clearly the revolutionary leaders wanted Americans to be able to express 
themselves without fear of retribution from those around them, no matter how abstract or 
controversial their beliefs were. Censorship is in direct opposition to the ideals that the 
founding fathers built this great nation upon. The idea that a majority can suppress a 
minority for the purpose of “preserving liberty”, as my opponent says, is absolutely 
ludicrous. Benjamin Franklin once stated, “Those who would give up essential liberty to 
purchase a little temporary safety, deserve neither liberty nor safety.”
	This brings up a very valid point – liberty and the first amendment cannot exist 
without one another. And yet, my opponent wishes to desecrate, to abolish what is 
arguably the most sacred portion of our democracy today for the hopes of obtaining 
liberty. Certainly you can see, just as I have, how circular and illogical this argument is.
	The campuses of universities and colleges throughout this nation are a sacred 
ground where the pursuit of knowledge reins king. Budding scholars from all walks of 
life come together to pursue a greater understanding of the world around them. Inevitably 
there will be a clash of ideals and beliefs, but in the end, a victor

(Partial – Ian Gibson)