"I'm not surprised at all. Freedom of speech is what really makes this country great. When you can't criticize a foreign nation, a foreign nation, come on, man. We ought to be able to criticize our own nation, let a long a foreign nation. In fact, that's the only nation you're not allowed to criticize, you know," said Mitchell.
"Something's going to change because evil empires don't last forever. There's always a rebellion. You ever seen Star Wars? That's what's going to happen, bro. Darth Vader's going to get took down."
Those are the words of UFC fighter Bryce Mitchell after controversy surrounding criticism of Israel and restrictions placed on speech.
Whether you agree with Mitchell or not, his comments touch on a question that is becoming increasingly difficult to ignore: Why is criticism of one particular foreign government treated differently from criticism of every other government on earth, including our own?
In democratic societies, freedom of expression is tested not when we defend popular speech, but when we protect speech that is controversial, uncomfortable, or challenges powerful interests.
Watch the video and decide for yourself.
#FreeSpeech #CivilLiberties #FirstAmendment #FreedomOfExpression #IsraelPalestine #Politics #UFC #BryceMitchell
