“For if Men are to be precluded from offering their Sentiments on a matter, which may involve the most serious and alarming consequences, that can invite the consideration of Mankind, reason is of no use to us; the freedom of Speech may be taken away, and, dumb and silent we may be led, like sheep, to the Slaughter.” –George Washington, 1783

“No idea is so dangerous that it cannot be spoken.” –Captain America (Yeah, I know it’s a comic book, but it’s still true.)

Violence and sedition are not the answer, but neither is the silencing of voices some find offensive or dangerous. We have allowed media corporations to decide who gets to speak and what ideas as so dangerous they cannot be expressed. They are private corporations, but they are also media monopolies and therefore cannot decide the winners and the losers in the battle of ideas.

The speech we should fight hardest to protect is the speech that offends us. For when that speech is silenced, those who want to control our thoughts will come after our speech.

Go ahead, Facebook, Twitter. Ban me.