Constitutions in many countries talk about the concept of freedom of speech. What’s always set America apart is our dedication to free speech in practice.

Once, opposing censorship was a bedrock principle of liberalism. 

Organizations like the ACLU were founded on the premise that even hateful speech deserves protection.  

But times have changed. A Real Clear Opinion poll reveals that free speech is becoming a partisan issue, with Democrats more willing to allow government to regulate speech.

This is dangerous. If government decides what information we can access, it decides what we know—or, at least, what we have the opportunity to know. That’s the end of any country where the people are supposed to rule: for a democratic republic to function as intended, an informed electorate is indispensable.

Americans of all political stripes need to understand: the First Amendment protects the liberty of every citizen, regardless of party, regardless of the popularity of the opinion.