The Right to Speak Loudly—even When It Rattles Power

There’s a chill in the air lately—not from the weather, but from the rising tone of panic among some of our nation’s leaders. Watching the headlines this week, I noticed a troubling trend. Several top Trump-era officials have stepped up to claim that certain kinds of heated political rhetoric—calling someone a “fascist,” for example—amounts to **illegal incitement**.

Let me be plain: **they’re wrong.**

As a veteran who took an oath to defend the Constitution, and as a Black man who has experienced what happens when you’re told to watch your tone, I’ve got something to say about this. Our **freedom of speech doesn’t end where their feelings begin.**

The Constitution Isn’t Optional

The First Amendment isn’t a suggestion—it’s a guaranteed protection. It gives all of us, whether we wear suits in the Capitol or work two jobs to make rent, the right to express political beliefs, frustrations, criticisms, and yes—even provocative language.

Calling a president a fascist, calling policies oppressive, raising fists, chanting in the streets—these aren’t acts of “incitement.” They’re expressions of outrage, concern, and dissent. They are, in every sense of the word, **American.**

What “Incitement” Really Means

The Supreme Court has made it clear: speech only crosses the line into illegal “incitement” if it’s **directed to produce imminent lawless action and is likely to produce such action.** This is why saying “this system is corrupt” is protected, but yelling “burn down city hall right now” might cross a line—context matters.

But calling someone a **fascist**? Criticizing policy in strong terms? That’s still just **speech.** Strong, opinionated speech, but legally protected all the same.

When They Call Our Words “Dangerous”

The people in power are always more comfortable when folks stay quiet. I’ve seen it in my own community—how raising a concern about housing or calling out an injustice can get you branded a “troublemaker.” I’ve filed complaints and gotten retaliation instead of resolution. I’ve spoken up and been told to calm down.

But let me tell you something—they don’t get to decide the volume of our voices.

What we’re witnessing right now—from the halls of Congress to the living rooms of everyday people—isn’t just a war over policy. It’s a war over **narrative**, over **truth**, and who gets to express it.

I’ve Been Called Worse Than “Fascist”

Let’s put it in perspective. Throughout my life, I’ve been called names I won’t repeat on this blog. I’ve had my loyalty questioned, my mental health doubted, and my patriotism tossed out the window by people who never served, never sacrificed.

But here’s the thing—they had a right to say what they said, just like I have a right to respond. **That’s freedom.** It’s messy, it’s uncomfortable, but it’s what protects us all—left, right, and center.

What Happens When We Silence Voices

We’ve seen what happens when the government decides what speech is “acceptable.” Civil rights leaders were labeled agitators. Vietnam War protesters were targeted. The voices that changed this country were the very ones told to hush up.

I don’t care who’s sitting in the Oval Office—no administration gets to rewrite the First Amendment. If anything, political opposition and even harsh public dissent are **signs of a functioning democracy.**

Free Speech Isn’t About Agreeing—It’s About Protecting

You don’t have to agree with the protester in the street or the commentator on the news. But if you care about real freedom, you *do* have to defend their right to speak. Because the moment we criminalize passion, the moment we confuse criticism with crime, we’ve already lost the soul of this country.

My Final Word: Let the People Speak

Friends, this moment calls for courage—not just the kind you see on the battlefield, but the kind that shows up when we defend a principle bigger than ourselves. Let them call our words “incitement.” We’ll call it **truth.**

Our voices matter, even when they make people uncomfortable. Maybe especially then.

So speak up. Speak boldly. Whether you’re in a courtroom, on a corner, or writing on your kitchen table—**keep speaking.** Remember who this country belongs to: **We the People.**

And we’re not asking permission.

–Melvin Coates

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**Let’s stand up for our rights together. Have you ever been told your