freedom of speech-what it means to me

For my first post I want to outline what the phrase means to me. According to the 1st amendment, freedom of speech is supposed to protect much more than just language and conversation. To me, freedom of speech is the right to be myself, regardless of what friends, family or even the government may permit. But as to almost every rule, there can be exceptions. My personal belief is that freedom of speech should not extend so far as to abridge someone elses freedom of speech. We are all guaranteed the same rights in this world and each person should be able to do and choose as they please. What I've obeserved is that quite often people give up their freedom of speech and let others make decisions for them. When someone has decisions made for them, they forget how to speak freely and be themselves, and this is a tragic thing. Going further, there are people who get so caught up speaking for other people that they forget how to speak for themselves! Freedom of speech is required to create true individuals.