Do we have the right to choose? Freedom only exists in varying degrees. There is no one instance of governance which completely guarantees absolute freedom of speech. Even democracies cannot boast unrestricted freedom. And this concept is not entirely morally wrong. Unadulterated freedom is extremely toxic and destructive. Freedom of speech can cause rebellions, revolutions, and chaos. Yes, these actions may be necessary for morally just changes in society, but a morally evil means never fully justifies a morally good end.
Now, let me deal with the first problem: what degree of freedom, in this case - speech, is beneficial to society as a whole?
Pragmatically speaking, freedom of speech must be based on fact and evidence. It must go through due process of law. This freedom of speech must be used for the betterment of the aggregate sectors of the society and not for a certain group of people. This is the ideal.
However, it is part of the self-interest of the government or ruling authority to control this freedom of speech to purely grow their sector. They would only allow government-supporting propaganda and they would shut down opposing outlets in media. Given this, a strong vocal opposition is a sign of a healthy free society.
Although another issue arises: what if this opposition is contradicting a categorical imperative, or an ideal in itself. For example, the neo-Nazis advocating for the silencing of the LGBTQ+ community. Is this still provisioned by free speech? In my definition of the ideal degree of the freedom of free speech, I would need to say 'no'. Any speech openly soliciting violence must be stopped. The government must see that EVERY right of EVERY sector of the populace is upheld. If another party uses their freedom of speech to violate someone's rights then the said party is at fault.
Simply put, the limits of ideal freedom is summed up in this statement: my freedoms ends at your freedoms; when my rights violates yours, then I am at fault.
Onto the main discussion, why are do governments fail to uphold this ideal freedom?
Simple. They find it disadvantageous. They find it chaotic. They find it radical. And the government is an extremely conservative body. Especially in Ukraine or in the Middle East.
If I walked down the streets of Kiev, demanding the betterment of the conditions of the common people, then clearly, the government will not see me in a good light. Take it like this: the government is extremely stubborn and unwilling to change drastically. And in Ukraine, it is especially rampant. Their indifference is a plague that kills the common people.
Alas, the title of this discussion resonates the question: "Do we have the right to choose?"
As a common person? No.
As a radical? No.
As a man with no support? No.
The only way to create change is to bet on someone liberal in the government to make small steps to the right.
The paradigm is simple.
1. The people want something to better themselves and society.
2. This concept is countering the plans of the government.
3. The government rejects this proposition with words and/or action.
4. The people would elect someone to change it.
5. The person elected would make small changes to create betterment of society.
6. The person is no longer interested and is now into the government.
7. Rinse and repeat.
Wishing the Best,
NuncAmissa