It’s impossible to avoid talking about the ugliness of political violence in the wake of Charlie Kirk’s assassination. Whether we agree with him or not, there is no justification for shooting him. For us, as we are greeted with a barrage of responses to his death, the issue that rises to the top is around free speech. The First Amendment 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.”

However, free speech is not upheld if it incites violence, harassment, or contains threats. If one person’s freedom of expression harms another, is it still considered free? I think we ought to hold ourselves accountable for how our speech can harm others, and it ought to be applied ethically and responsibly.

Since recoding this podcast, free speech is being openly challenged - Jimmy Kimmel was canceled, journalists have been fired, and teachers have been let go for personal posts or “contradictory curriculum” in the state of Texas. We even waited almost a week to release this for fear of reprisals. However, saying something feels more important than silence. Now more than ever we must protect our freedoms and fight for a democracy.