November 10, 2020. Madison, Mississippi. Free Speech.

Once upon a time, many years ago, Ken and I moved to Galveston, Texas. People studying and worked at the medical center had come from all over the world and the medical community was small, so people we got to know at the social events included students, residents and professors. The conversations were lively and controversial. It was 1964 after all. But people spopke their mind and no one got upset or angry. Nor did anyone stomp off in anger. Free speech seemed to be in vogue. But soon, several topics were off limits. People got upset if the topic of abortion was raised. And the Vietnahm War. So over the years, free speech was eroded so you had to be careful what you discussed at a dinner party. One evening at a dinner in Nova Scotia, the question of President George Bush was mentioned. I quietly mentioned that his position could be defended. One of the guests stormed into the kitchen and did not speak to me the rest of the night. Another time in the pool at Playa Royale a lady was extolling the virtues of Hillary Clinton. I merely asked what significant events had Hillary done as Sect. of State. The other lady in the water looked at me in horror and anger. And she avoided me. My observation is that you can only speak about a topic with anyone when they already agree with what you are saying. A difference of opinion is not acceptable. Free Speech has disappeared from society. And the culture has been diminished.