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The Gift of Speech

Growing up with a severe physical disability I have always known how lucky I am to have the power of speech. It is the gift of speech that has enabled me to live a life of independence and freedom. As a professional writer, blogger and social activist the stories I have been reading lately about freedom of speech being taken away from people horrifies me.
The article I read a couple of weeks ago in The Age about the Sri Lankan bloggers being executed because they posted opinions against the government in particular, caused me concern and made me realise how lucky I am to live in a country where freedom of speech is respected. I have written many pieces sharing my political views criticising both sides of politics, I was able to do this without fear of retribution.
Just this week yet another example of freedom of speech being taken away can be seen in the news when we look at the case of the journalists sentenced in Egypt for simply doing their job.
I am neither for or against Julian Asange and Wikileaks, but there are those who believe some parties have discredited him and the organisation because they dared to tell the truth. No individual, group or government should have that much control because if we take away free speech where does it stop?
Free speech is a fundamental and basic human right, I am living proof that communication is power.
So always continue to speak up for what you believe and cherish the gift of speech.
"Please think and ponder"
Chris Van Ingen.

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