Mon Feb 16 02:00:00 UTC 2026: ### Free Speech Debate Intensifies at RealClearMedia Gala, Sparking Controversy

The Story:
The annual RealClearMedia Samizdat Prize Gala in Palm Beach, Florida, honoring champions of free speech, became a focal point for debate over the true meaning and purpose of free expression. Newsweek senior editor-at-large Josh Hammer, while appreciative of the event, expressed concern over rhetoric that prioritized free speech above the pursuit of truth and the common good. Hammer’s critique centered on remarks made by David DesRosiers regarding the prosecution of Don Lemon, and Alan Dershowitz‘s defense of transgender ideology under the banner of free speech.

Key Points:

  • The RealClearMedia Samizdat Prize Gala honored Alan Dershowitz, Graham Linehan, and the late Charlie Kirk for their contributions to free speech.
  • David DesRosiers, publisher of RealClearMedia, criticized the Trump administration’s prosecution of Don Lemon as a free speech issue.
  • Alan Dershowitz defended transgender claims, invoking free speech, which drew boos from the audience.
  • Josh Hammer argued that free speech should not be the highest value and should serve the pursuit of truth and the common good.
  • Hammer emphasized that the First Amendment prioritizes religious liberty over free speech and cited the FACE Act as an example of valuing religious exercise.
  • Hammer views Kirk as someone who valued truth, not just free speech.

Key Takeaways:

  • The event highlights a growing divide over the interpretation and prioritization of free speech in contemporary American society.
  • The debate centers on whether free speech is an intrinsic good or an instrument for achieving other goals, such as truth and the common good.
  • The discussion reflects broader tensions between individual liberties and societal values, particularly in the context of evolving social and political issues.
  • The event underscores the ongoing relevance of the First Amendment and its interpretation in a rapidly changing cultural landscape.
  • The perspective presented by Josh Hammer suggests a conservative viewpoint that balances free speech with traditional values and the pursuit of objective truth.

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