We hear of it again – an all-too familiar sounding story regarding friction between the United States and Russia. And this time, it concerns the Russian president himself, Vladimir Putin. The Moscow Kremlin, a fortified complex in Russia, has recently demanded an apology from members of Fox News in America. This is because, in yet another highly contentious political interview between a Fox News presenter and U.S. President Donald Trump. Just a few weeks following the presidential inauguration, Fox News host Bill O’Reilly cast several aspersions on the Russian president, denoting him as a “killer.” O’Reilly did not explicitly state any names, but it’s true that he believes it was Putin’s work in ordering the killing of his opponents. O’Reilly has since refused to offer his apology, proclaiming, “I’m working on that apology but it may take a little time. You might want to check in with me around … 2023.”

When our own president was questioned on the issue, he stated how he believes Putin is leader of a major country, and deserves respect; curiously, he dodged addressing the act of the killings themselves. President Trump also rose the question of how “innocent” the United States government was itself, and how it has made many mistakes. This has “irritated some congressional Republicans who said there was no comparison between how Russian and U.S. politicians behaved” (“Kremlin says it wants apology from Fox News over Putin comments”). Furthermore, do two wrongs make a right? Was our president’s response appropriate in dismissing the matter of manslaughter by a national government?

On the other hand, our First Amendment is one of the most unique freedoms in the world, stemming from the belief of the preservation of human rights over two centuries ago. Yet let’s look where it has taken us today – making disrespectful and careless comments about the leader of another country, especially with one we share a very rocky history with.  Have our freedoms, in a sense, “spoiled” us? By ensuring our privileges and making it so easy to express our opinions, has the government let our own free will betray us?

In an ever changing world and society full of competition, everything we say, act, or even think can have an enormous impact on our future. Our speech will determine our lifestyle. It’s important to learn, as scholars of a new age, how to use our long-protected and contentious freedom of speech as a benefit us instead of an obstruction. Let’s continue to use kind words with erudition and good will.

To read more about this topic, visit: http://www.reuters.com/article/us-usa-trump-foxnews-kremlin-idUSKBN15L0XC