Written for RDP, where Martha asks us
to get creative with the word “disapprove”.
Thanks, Martha! Here’s my musical take.
Every now and then we need a reminder:
Freedom of speech is the right to express ideas without censorship or fear of reprisal, protected globally as a human right and specifically by the U.S. First Amendment, allowing even unpopular speech, but with limits for incitement, defamation, obscenity, and certain illegal acts like perjury, while also covering symbolic actions like flag burning, though private entities like social media platforms can set their own rules.
NAR©2026
This is “Freedom of Speech” by John Mellencamp
All text and graphics are copyright for Nancy Richy and are not to be used without permission. NAR©2017-present.
The Elephant's Trunk 
Timely take. I’ve listened to John Mellencamp for 40 years, starting when he was still John Cougar Mellencamp. Still dig the man and would love to catch him during his “Dancing Words Tour 2026″/greatest hits tour, but based on what I’ve seen, tickets appear to be outside my price range.
I most recently saw Mellencamp in Philly in July 2017 with Emmylou and Carlene Carter – great show. But tickets were way more affordable!
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Hopefully some tix will become available to you, Christian. I’ve been a fan for a long time. Thanks for sharing your thoughts
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This is a great post Nance well said 🙌
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Thanks, Ange. I appreciate it. ☺️
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I am just so weary of hearing hate speech followed by Freedom of Speech!
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It’s depressing, isn’t it.
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You are so right!
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Thanks so much, Lisa!
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Amen, Nancy and great song!! xx
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Thanks very much, Cindy. So glad you enjoyed today’s post.
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I can’t count how many times my father said the defend to the death quote to us.
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That’s a great memory, D!
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