I think we often forget about how great a country America truly is. It allows us to be educated and to give our opinions on things. If I want to go on Facebook and tell the world I think we need to have some sort of gun control (which I do), I can. I don’t have to worry that I will be thrown in jail. I can complain about my government. Free speech allows you to complain about Obama (which I see plenty of every day on Facebook) without having to fear a bullet in your head. I know some of you may think that everyone is afforded this luxury. They are not.
Nabeel Rajab is serving time for posting anti-government comments on Twitter in addition to instigating and participating in peaceful gatherings considered to be illegal by the Bahraini government. Nabeel Rajab is a prominent Bahraini human rights activist whose freedom has been compromised. (The average Twitter user tweets 4 times a day and has the freedom to say anything. Bahrain is fighting words with weapons by imprisoning citizens for tweeting.) You can say No Mas to oppression by signing the petition to free Nabeel Rajab in Bahrain.
Marcos Máiquel Lima Cruz is another person you should know about. From boombox to behind bars, one man’s hip-hop dance party lead him straight to jail because a song’s lyrics criticized the lack of freedom of expression in Cuba. He was imprisoned with his brother who was recently released. Sign the petition to free Marcos and to reunite the brothers.
Can you imagine your life without being about to speak your mind where ever and whenever you want? If not, make sure you join every Monday in February at 11am PST @TakePart for a live Twitter chat with celebrities, experts and activists as they explore the issue of free speech. Follow @TakePart and use #NoMas to ask your questions.
You can see how our world has evolved thanks to the words “No Mas,” and share stories of how these iconic protests have impacted our world on You Tube.
One person can make a difference. Want to know what you can do? Here’s a few things:
1. Sign the petition to get those gentleman out of jail.
2. Take part in the Twitter chat on Mondays.
3. Make your own No Mas Badge to show the world that you won’t stand for this injustice!
This article is sponsored by Linqia.
What a great subject!
I love free speech just slightly concerned about the “hate” speech in the name of “free” speech
Agree.
I agree that we should ALL be entitled to express ourselves regardless of our opinions. That’s what makes our country amazing!
Important topic! How blessed we are to live in the U.S.
Unfortunately in our country many people only want freedom of speech for their beliefs and not for other people’s beliefs.
You know, we do often forget just how lucky we are to live in the US. Thank you for that reminder.
(sigh) this is such an important topic.
It has become so bad sometimes that I’m afraid to say anything to anyone. We have to worry more about what others think that we can’t be true to ourselves.
Always sad to learn about people who are punished for the freedoms we take for granted.
Yes free speech isn’t hate speech. What a great cause and thank you for sharing.