Blog Post #7: Dissent and the First Amendment

Dissent and the First Amendment

From the start of U.S. history, dissent has always been part of the American story — especially when it comes to war. But what we saw during the Progressive Era and WWI was a different level of crackdown. Antiwar voices weren’t just silenced — they were thrown in jail. The First Amendment was put to the test, and for a while, it failed. Eugene Debs was one of the most well-known examples of someone imprisoned for simply speaking out.

Watching the videos this week, especially the one on the Marketplace of Ideas, made me realize how the government has always had a hard time dealing with antiwar speech, especially during times of conflict. It’s crazy that speaking your mind about war could once get you locked up. Today, you won’t necessarily go to prison — but strong antiwar opinions rarely show up in the news or popular conversation.

Where Are the Antiwar Voices Now?

I explored both Antiwar.com and The American Conservative — and honestly, I was surprised by how much solid commentary is being written that no one seems to talk about. These sites are full of thoughtful criticism of U.S. foreign policy, military spending, and overseas interventions. Articles like “The Forever War Is Still Raging” break down how U.S. involvement in places like Syria, Iraq, and Ukraine continues — with very little debate.

It feels like if you're not cheering for the military or pushing for more defense funding, your opinion doesn’t get airtime. Both parties in Congress consistently vote to increase military budgets, and cable news channels like CNN and Fox News rarely question it. This kind of media bias pushes antiwar views out of sight — even though they reflect how many Americans feel.

Why Do We Have to Dig So Deep?

I think the reason these antiwar views are hidden is because they challenge the dominant narrative that U.S. military power is always necessary or beneficial. If people really knew how much the U.S. spends on war, or the human cost it causes, they might ask tougher questions. But instead, voices like those on Antiwar.com and The American Conservative are pushed to the fringe. The “marketplace of ideas,” as mentioned in the Holmes video, is supposed to give every idea a fair shot — but it’s not a level playing field.

Right now, ideas that go against the military-industrial complex don’t get the same platform as those that support it. That’s not just a media problem — it’s a democracy problem.

Why It Matters

Antiwar movements matter. They remind people that war always has consequences — especially for the innocent. They speak out when others stay silent. Whether it's Vietnam, Iraq, or Gaza, antiwar voices have always been the ones asking the tough questions, even when it's unpopular. These movements raise awareness, push for policy changes, and sometimes even shift public opinion.

We should be protecting these voices — not ignoring them. That’s what the First Amendment is really for.