Freedom of Speech

Developed democracies advocate freedom of speech – in theory. In practice, that is often not the case. If you work for an organization, you must abide by its rules and you are normally not allowed to criticize your employer. You have to stick to their policies and talking points not to bring the company into disrepute.

This applies to a country whose First Amendment of the Constitution says “Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press, or the right of the people peacefully to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances.”

As a locally employed staff member at the American Embassy in Tokyo, I worked ultimately for the U.S. President, currently Donald J. Trump. Sixteen years ago when I started this job, upon instruction from HR I swore that I would not participate in protests against the U.S. Government.

Yesterday I left the workplace and became a free citizen.

I believe that free speech is vital to reveal the truth and ensure democracy. I would like to exercise this rare opportunity that I have finally obtained in order to realize a decent world.