Freedom of speech means freedom for those who you despise, and freedom to express the most despicable views. It also means that the government cannot pick and choose which expressions to authorize and which to prevent.

In this quote, Alan Dershowitz emphasizes that freedom of speech is not just about protecting ideas or expressions that are widely accepted or agreeable. He argues that true freedom of speech extends to even the most despicable or offensive views, meaning that individuals must have the right to express ideas that others may find reprehensible. By saying that freedom includes the freedom for those you despise to express themselves, Dershowitz underscores the fundamental principle that speech should be unrestricted, even when it goes against the majority’s values.

Dershowitz also highlights an important aspect of free speech: the government must not have the power to selectively allow or censor certain forms of expression. According to him, government intervention in speech should be limited, as it would compromise the core democratic value of free expression. The idea that the government cannot "pick and choose" which expressions to protect or prevent speaks to the need for consistent and fair application of constitutional rights.

The origin of this quote can be traced to Dershowitz’s long career as a legal scholar and advocate for civil liberties. He is known for his strong stance on protecting individual rights, especially those related to free speech, which he sees as fundamental to a functioning democracy. As a constitutional law expert, he has often argued that the First Amendment of the U.S. Constitution should be interpreted broadly, protecting even controversial or unpopular viewpoints.

In essence, Dershowitz’s quote asserts that freedom of speech cannot be selectively applied. It must protect the rights of all individuals to express their views, even those who express hateful or offensive opinions, without interference from the government. This view reinforces the idea that free speech is a core pillar of democracy, ensuring that every voice—no matter how unpopular—has the opportunity to be heard.