MAY 2023
RIVERTON REVIEW Official Newsletter of the Riverton, Utah City Government MAYOR’S MESSAGE
Our Right to Freedom of Speech By Mayor Trent Staggs On April 12, we had the opportunity to welcome former Utah Jazz star Enes Kanter Freedom to Riverton and present him with the inaugural Mayor’s Freedom Award for his courageous commitment to human rights and free speech.
Turkey has issued nearly a dozen warrants for his arrest, placed a $500,000 bounty on his head, revoked his Turkish citizenship and has resulted in numerous threats on his life. Government leaders even forced his parents to publicly disown him. Despite all of this, Enes has refused to be silent and continues to fight for what he believes. Many in this world don’t have the same basic rights Americans have inherited. Enes knows how important this is, because he grew up in a country that doesn’t protect free speech. Everyone should have the freedom to express their opinions without the fear of retribution.
Over the last five years, Freedom has become a prominent advocate for freedom of speech and human rights. He has used his platform as a professional athlete to defend and advance the cause of As mayor, I feel it is my freedom against the challenges responsibility to promote an of today, both here at home and environment where each Riverton across the globe. Enes relentlessly resident feels empowered to share addresses the lack of civic their own thoughts and beliefs. I freedoms experienced in Turkey am committed to and Venezuela helping residents and condemns better understand China’s atrocities this fundamental against the “Without freedom of right that comes people of the thought, there can be no from our Creator. Uyghur, Tibet, such thing as wisdom; Taiwan and Hong and no such thing as Our Founding Kong. Fathers public liberty, without recognized the His bravery and freedom of speech.” importance of unwavering free speech commitment Benjamin Franklin when they to speak up drafted the First on behalf of Amendment to others who the United States cannot speak for Constitution. This amendment themselves has not come without protects our right to express a cost. Enes’s native country of
RIVERTON REVIEW | MAY 2023
U.S. Congressman Burgess Owens with Enes Freedom and Mayor Trent Staggs at the presentation of the Mayor’s Freedom Award at the Old Dome Meeting Hall.
ourselves freely, without fear of censorship or reprisal. It has become a cornerstone of our representative democracy and a vital component of our free nation, though it is under attack today. Increasingly in the U.S., the false religion of wokeness wants to label “freedom of speech” as blasphemy. You can be granted your freedom for the “right agenda,” but not on protected topics or against moneyed interests. Americans should be the biggest ambassadors on calling out injustice, hypocrisy and propaganda. People need to think for themselves. Money shouldn’t buy silence. People should be able to say obvious truths. It is critical for each of us who are blessed to live in this country that protects our God-given freedom to
speak for those who can’t speak for themselves—no matter the sacrifice. Allowing citizens to speak their minds and share their opinions is crucial for promoting innovation, creativity and progress. Without the freedom to express ourselves, we cannot engage in meaningful debate, make informed decisions or hold those in power accountable. In the words of Benjamin Franklin, “Without freedom of thought, there can be no such thing as wisdom; and no such thing as public liberty, without freedom of speech.” As many groups look to censor opinions and quiet those whose beliefs differ, I hope we can look to the example of Enes Kanter Freedom and defend and uphold our right to free speech. It is our duty as citizens to remember and preserve this freedom.
PAGE 1