text: what does freedom of speech mean to you today? give some examples we have the right to say whatever we wish to, as long as it does not endanger, slander, or libel others. we cannot allow certain groups to have more "free speech" than others. the rules must apply to all equally. we also do not have the right to "free speech" when it comes down to national security. quite frankly, certain things are not to be put out for the public ears to hear.  however, this freedom is situational. when we voluntarily choose to work for a company that has rules about "colorful" language, we cannot claim our right to free speech if we are fired for violating that rule. we have the ability to give up our right to free speech, but it must be remembered that this is a choice. we cannot make the choice of sacrificing it, and then double back trying to claim the violation of our "rights" when we are punnished under the rules we agreed to when we gave up our right.