America Quote by Ann Althouse
“Why does the left hate free speech? Because they don't know how to talk about the substantive merits when they are challenged. Having submerged themselves in disciplining each other by denouncing any heretics in their midst, they find themselves overwhelmed and outnumbered in America, where there is vibrant debate about all sorts of things they don't know how to begin to talk about. They resort to stomping their feet and shouting "shut up"... when they aren't prissily imploring everyone to be "civil."”
About This Quote
Source Opinion piece: The Atlantic, 2019
She critiques perceived left‑wing intolerance of free speech, suggesting a tendency to silence dissenting views.
In simple terms: Some on left resist opposing ideas.
Key Takeaway
Encourage open dialogue across differences.
Themes
politics
free speech
polarization
Mood
critical
concerned
Type
political
social
When to use this quote
- public debate
- media commentary
Key Concepts
censorship
civil discourse
Questions to Reflect On
- How can we foster respectful disagreement?
- What role should civility play in debate?
A Different Perspective
Generalizing an entire political side oversimplifies diverse views.
![“I'll smoke, I'll cough, I'll get the tumors, I'll die, deal? Thank you America. [salutes]” quote by Bill Hicks](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/3d2/bill-hicks-970_america_i-ll-smoke-i-ll-cough-i-ll-get-the-tumor_655.jpg)
