In the USA we have effectively eliminated free speech

First the FCC (not elected but politically appointed) decided that free speech will not apply to Television and radio. They got a complaint from Donald Wildman, a evangelical preacher who complained about what he heard on TV.

Secondly Reagan eliminated the Fairness doctrine so networks like FOX will not have to have to be fair and balanced.

Of course you can't talk about something if the goverment says it is a secret.

The Supreme Court says it is OK to intentionally lie if you are a CEO, News Network or Goverment spokesperson.

You can still write however.

I am thinking of three authors who did unauthorized books on the Bush family and all three died of suicide.

Homeland Security goes where the FBI won;t tread and demands library records. When strong arming people deosn;t work sometines they back down.

Free speech is now something you have to fight for on an individual basis.

For now there is still the internet.