I wanted to not share my view on this prompt topic for the simple reason that I'm not sure of what to say about it but after a few thoughts, something came up and I want to share now. The country is not in the best position and that affects the rights we have as citizens.
Our rights as citizens are like the only privilege we have as one but it's sad that whenever we try to exercise some of these rights, we find ourselves in trouble. While I wouldn't want people to stop exercising their rights, I can't help but advice it for many reasons we may have already know.
Can our right to free speech really be taken from us? No, it can not but we've seen times without number that it is almost like it has been taken from us. We don't get to say what is on our mind and be free from what has been said. Even aside speaking out for the country, mere saying words have repercussions that some pay dearly for it. You could imagine how worse it could get for citizens who speak their mind regarding the government and her affairs.
Are we simply scared or intimidated by the opposing forces? That can be right to an extent. Even with the tension or intimidation, we've had citizens who stood up for they know is right, spoke up and changed things even though for a brief time. Some paid the cost of exercising their right to speech and some managed to escape it. But for many, they are scared or feel less bothered to speak up about it.
I'm not saying I'm not in support of those who speak up but with the present situation of the country, it will only make matters worse for just any citizen to exercise their right to speech and make things worse for the other citizens.
Keeping silence in the chaos of the country shouldn't mean one isn't exercising their right to speech as it could also mean that every citizen is trying to play well in other rights and keep this country going. Some have spoken and things got worse, it's like adding fuel to fire. We should focus on keeping silence to only speaks wise words that would instigate good changes in the country.
Does silence count as infringement of our rights? Honestly, it doesn't. So long we're silent for the right reasons. But if we are silence when we must say something because of fear of opppsoong forces, that would be an infringement and such thing shouldn't be in a democratic country.
While the Government have a role to play for her citizens in exercising their rights as they want to, the citizens have a role to play for the Government and fellow citizens to not abuse the rights given to them. If a balance can be found on this, I believe the right words will be said mostly and things could get better.
Images are AI generated
