Edmund S. Muskie Quotes

The Constitution does not allow the unnecessary trammeling of free expression, even for the noblest of purposes.

If there is a bedrock principle of the First Amendment, it is that the government may not prohibit the expression of an idea simply because society finds the idea itself offensive or disagreeable.

I think Thomas Jefferson would have said the more speech, the better.

To me, I was right from the beginning, because it's my right as an American to speak up and question our president, have my point of view, have my opinion, question what I want to question, and say what I want to say about our government.

You'll often hear the left lecture about the importance of dissent in a free society.

We had a responsibility to represent all people whose 1st Amendment rights were at risk

An unconditional right to say what one pleases about public affairs is what I consider to be the minimum guarantee of the 1st Amendment.

Free discussion is the only necessary Constitution.

After 200 years, the 1st Amendment remains only as strong, or as weak, as the citizens it is designed to protect.

Under the privilege of the 1st Amendment many, many ridiculous things are said.

Freedom of speech is the great bulwark of liberty; they prosper and die together.

In the national debate about a serious issue, it is the expression of the minority's viewpoint that most demands the protection of the First Amendment.

There is no indication - either in the text of the Constitution or in our cases interpreting it - that a separate judicial category exists for the American flag alone. ... We decline ... therefore to create for the flag an exception to the … principles protected by the First Amendment.

Without debate, without criticism, no Administration and no country can succeed — and no republic can survive. ... And that is why our press was protected by the First Amendment — the only business in America specifically protected by the Constitution.

Free speech is the foundation of an open and liberal democracy from college campuses to the White House.

The right to free speech is critical to our democracy.

We still have a First Amendment that protects your business and free speech.

I'm a believer in the Constitution and in the First Amendment. Not just for raising money but also for freedom of speech.

Nowhere does our Constitution say we cannot say something about another's religion. Nowhere does our Constitution say we cannot say anything that offends someone.

I am a firm supporter of the First Amendment, no matter the views expressed.

It's OK to say whatever you want. It's a free country. And it's also OK for the rest of us to say 'We don't like what you're saying.' That's actually our job as members of Congress.

The First Amendment protects the news media and the news media knows how to use it. Donald Trump doesn't understand it, he's never going to understand it.

I am for the First Amendment from the first word to the last. I believe it means what it says.

The First Amendment provides the only kind of security system that can preserve a free government - one that leaves the way wide open for people to favor, discuss, advocate, or incite causes and doctrines however obnoxious and antagonistic such views may be to the rest of us.

I would bet there is no place in the United States where the First Amendment would survive intact.