Freedom of speech is one of the most wonderful blessings we human beings have, at least in the West—a privilege that we value very little.
I lost it 30 years ago when the dictator Hugo Chávez hijacked my country, Venezuela. Since then, the only things I remember are: censorship, repression, prison, torture, and fear—so much fear. Only those of us who have lived under despicable communism know very well everything we have lost, and that we may never get it back.
My father taught some values that are extremely important, at least to me: to be fair, balanced, centered, and kind with everyone, regardless of my political stances, and that is how I have acted.
Even though the same group, over and over again, reviles, dehumanizes, do personal attacks, and commits violence, I try to be the bigger person, the one who brings balance and respect to the conversation.
A few hours ago, something very particular happened to me for the first time in my life. We recommended the book “Irreversible Damage: The Transgender Craze Seducing Our Daughters” by Abigail Shrier, precisely because of the guests we had—a habit I maintain every week.
A group of progressives—the same ones who demand tolerance with a gun in their hands, who vilify, insult, revile, and commit violence in the name of a tolerance that only flows in one direction, theirs—decided to post all kinds of insults, unpleasant comments, mockery, and much more on Politics for thinkers LinkedIn page.
LinkedIn is a social network with serious, very serious security problems. They handle everything with artificial intelligence, making it sometimes impossible and exhausting to report any situation—not to mention waiting for a favorable response. They view everything as fine, positive, and natural.
In the middle of such an unpleasant moment, I had to make sure to protect my social media accounts and, above all, my peace and mental health.
I am a peaceful woman, even in the worst moments. I do not like violence under any circumstances. I stayed silent time and again when I received insults and abuse for being a conservative. I stayed silent when they called me a nazi for saying that men in dresses are not women, but no more.
Freedom of speech—that wonderful right so undervalued by so many—is a two-way street; it carries responsibility and accountability.
Having stayed silent and allowing outrages like the one I just experienced, for whatever reason, has brought us many problems, many consequences. It has cost us a very high price: our freedom of speech. This is unforgivable.
Unfortunately, social media remain controlled by people with a very clear agenda, where conservative people, right-wing people, or simply people with common sense have no place at all. That is why we cannot abandon any space. Our voices are important, and we have just as much right to express ourselves as anyone else.
The absurd and ridiculous thing about this, is that this group of progressives came to me, to my platform. I do not go where I am not welcome. They decided to come attack me, bother me, and even report my accounts. That is the love and tolerance they preach! It is the same people, over and over again.
I am not a violent person, but I will no longer stay silent either.
Freedom of speech is a right we all have, but yes, that right comes with responsibilities.
They will not silence me.
About the author:
Jennifer Barreto-Leyva is a multi-faceted professional and a powerhouse in the Hispanic community.
She is an attorney, journalist, and author. Pro-life activist. Former Fox News correspondent. Is part of the editorial national board of the Republican National Hispanic Assembly. TV and radio host. Former Venezuelan ambassador at the Britts Global organization in the United Nations. Politics analyst. Opinion columnist, President of The Ladies Coalition. Director for LATAM of Latinas 4 life.
Named for Parade Magazine, 8 years in a row, as one of the 50 most influential and powerful Latinas worldwide.