Free Speech for St. Helens: 5 Ways the 1st Amendment Benefits Everyone

Free speech has lost its way in St. Helens. Sure, you can still say what you want without fear of violence or getting cancelled, but the real issue is how our city leadership acts towards those who express dissenting opinions. In theory, they’re full-throated supporters. In practice, where it matters, their stance is wobbly.

I’ve heard from plenty of St. Helens residents who feel they aren’t only being ignored but actively worked against. Our leadership views free speech as a bug within the system rather than a crucial feature of democracy…which it is! While there are principled and constitutional reasons to support the First Amendment, there are also several practical ways the marketplace of ideas benefits society overall.

1.   Strengthens democracy.

Our democracy thrives when everyone is actively involved, and free speech is one of the most powerful forms of democratic participation. It ensures that every voice, from every corner of society, is heard. In this way, expression is not just a right—it’s a responsibility. The more people speak up, the more they feel heard. When people feel their voices matter, they are more likely to engage in the democratic process. This creates a positive feedback loop which keeps the government in line with the people’s will and ensures everyone is engaged. 

2.   Prioritizes local control.

One of the symptoms of diminishing freedom of speech in St. Helens is a loss of local control. As a small community, we have different challenges, needs, and priorities than neighboring cities. Unfortunately, our leadership class has been co-opted by Portland policies, preferring to heed the will of the big city rather than their constituents. Their ears are open to the progressive whims of the political elites rather than in tune with the needs of St. Helens’ residents. Freedom of expression helps reinforce local control by ensuring local voices are heard and prioritized.

3.   Protects minority voices.

Often, our leaders act as though free speech only pertains to popular opinions or consensus. This flies in the face of what the Founding Fathers envisioned and disproportionately silences minority voices. This results in politically disenfranchised groups which have no recourse to petition the government in a meaningful way. Free speech is about protecting all forms of speech, especially those that are unpopular. We protect these alternative ideas not because they’re inherently correct or beneficial, but because they are essential to a healthy democracy that values diverse perspectives and fosters true freedom of expression.

4.   Encourages debate.

This country was founded on the practice of debate. The idea was that free speech would allow for heated yet peaceful discussions where differences and disagreements could be hashed out. Modern politics has largely lost touch with this core value with challenging opinions getting snuffed out before they have the opportunity to breathe. Debate keeps democratic society civil by giving everyone a forum to petition the government, express their ideas, and partake in democracy. It also prevents mob rule by ensuring everyone can share their opinion no matter their economic, social, or political capital.

5.   Informs leaders.

Worthwhile leaders want to know what the public thinks. The unfettered freedom of expression gives our representatives a view into the full spectrum of ideas within the local community. With their fingers on the pulse of public opinion, leaders can ensure their decisions fall in line with the will of the people. Of course, this requires leadership that actually respects and supports free speech, unlike our current leadership. They don’t want to hear what we have to say because their minds are already made up. The current administration has created an illusion of decision-making, but their overarching trend away from St. Helens’ values proves otherwise.

I’m running for mayor to reinstall the value of free speech in St. Helens’ leadership. All voices deserve to be heard, and we need an administration that puts local needs first. Vote Steve Toschi for St. Helens Mayor and together, we can bring back true free speech to our beloved city.