4.2.12 WC: 191694 Conclusion: The Future of Freedom of Speech Although most Americans support freedom of speech in the abstract, far fewer support speech that hurts them. Free speech for me but not for thee is a common limitation. Let me propose a test for my own readers to see whether you qualify to join “the First Amendment Club.” Do you really believe in the freedom of speech guaranteed by our First Amendment? Or do you just support the speech of those with whom you agree? Nearly two hundred years ago, the French philosopher Voltaire articulated the fundamental premise underlying true support for freedom of speech: “I disapprove of what you say, but I will defend to the death your right to say it.” Defending “to the death” may be a bit strong and “disapprove” a bit weak, but the core of Voltaire’s point is crucial. It is easy, and rather self-serving, to rally ‘round the flag of the First Amendment on behalf of those whose speech you admire or enjoy. But unless you are prepared to defend the freedom to speak of those whom you despise—those who make your blood boil—you cannot count yourself as a member of that rather select club of true believers in freedom of expression. I call it a select club because most people, even most who claim adherence to the First Amendment, favor some censorship. Deep down, clearly everyone wants to censor something. I have Jewish friends who support freedom of expression for everyone—except for Nazis who want to march through Jewish neighborhoods like Skokie, Illinois. I have African-American friends who support freedom of speech for everyone—except those who would try to justify racism. I have women friends who support freedom of speech for everyone—except those who are in the business of selling sexist pornography. And the list goes on. When I spoke at a rally of artists, museum curators, and gallery owners protesting the prosecution of the Cincinnati museum curator who had exhibited the Mappelthorpe photographs of naked children an