“The First Amendment to the United States Constitution states that Congress shall make no laws. . . limiting the freedom of “speech” (“Freedom of Expression”).” It has been demonstrated through the justice system that speech goes far beyond normal verbal communication (“Freedom of Expression”). If this is true, then why are there so many controversies over freedom of expression? If the right to free expression is taken away, the government will become more and more powerful until it controls every aspect of life. While the United States prides itself on being a staunchly democratic nation, it is no better than a tyrannical government if it steals the right to free expression from its citizens. Most people do not want to live in a society oppressed by an all-powerful government that allows them very little freedom. Modeling Orwell's society, a government that has too much power will willingly let its citizens endure pain, suffering, and even torture. For society to be productive, people must have the opportunity to express their ideas and thoughts; if they cannot, civilization will move backwards instead of forwards. The issue of freedom of expression is not a new problem. In fact, it has been discussed for years, even at the Supreme Court level. One such case is Schenck v. United States, where it was held illegal for Schenck to distribute pamphlets inviting people to obstruct the drafting process (“Schenck v. United States”). The Supreme Court found it illegal for Schenck to act in this way and he was convicted, but in another case involving freedom of expression the court took the opposite side. In the case of Tinker v. Des Moines, a school banned students from wearing the black harmba... middle of paper... crossed. Living an emotionless existence is definitely not living at all, and that's why freedom of expression should be a guaranteed right. It is very important for a functional society where people have the right to their opinion and are able to freely offer constructive criticism. When it is taken away, oppression, poverty and general degradation of society are seen in abundance. A society in which people can express their opinions is infinitely better than an Orwellian society in which people feared having thoughts that might be displeasing to the government. A terrible place if you weren't sure even in your own mind. The current world is a place where full freedom of expression is given to everyone. Everyone deserves the chance to make their ideas known and depriving them of that opportunity is almost inhumane. It is simply immoral to deny this right.