Challenge
Freedom of Speech, and it's Savage Curtailments.
"Since, therefore, no one can abdicate his freedom of judgment and feeling; since every man is by indefeasible natural right the master of his own thoughts, it follows that men thinking in diverse and contradictory fashions, cannot, without disastrous results, be compelled to speak only according to the dictates of the supreme power." ~~ Baruch Spinoza. ~~~~~~~~~
This challenge, much like all the world, is a stage. We each must play our part in deciphering and judging what is morally sanctionable and what is unconscionable. There are questions to be answered and perspectives to be duly considered. We've had our differences here on Prose over the years, but I have always found it to be a place of unparalleled freedom of thought and a platform for lively discourse and spirited exchange of ideas. It has seemed immune to that modern sickness which seeks to excise certain people or opinions from the public sphere in the despicably lillylivered defense of people from the possibility of being offended; that sickening trend which has become so alarmingly prevalent among society at large.... I love that about this site. Perhaps more than anything else; the freedom to say whatever we sincerely give a fuck about, without fear of persecution or removal... So, let us celebrate that free atmosphere with another lively open, honest debate, shall we? Take it in any direction you choose. Speak on any issue you wish. The only rule is utter, complete, and total honesty.
It Follows...
Oh Freedom, of Speech!
with tail in its teeth,
Seething & frothing
ills, fears & grief,
all around the counties,
Chomping & chewing
seeking release
of an orifice,
open, shut, or
a bone to pick up;
Shook & dripped,
like pen & ink.
The hand
that leads,
waves us away,
for Consumption
in official books
no longer exists,
today, as Disease
in itself,
merely as a symptom
of disgust,
& orders
for which
there are always
valid prescriptions
& over-the-count-
counters & remediations
to play out
complications,
loosely frolicking.
Posters and clubs,
scattered in retreat.
Pound in the streets...?
Looking for lost owners.
...Freedom, of Speech
is a pet on a Leash.
05.14.2023
Savage Curtailments challenge @EstherFlowers1
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