Freedom of speech is one of the most basic of all rights. Many countries around the world claim to allow their citizens the freedom to speak their thoughts publicly. Unfortunately in some instances, the exercise of that constitutional right is often discouraged or reprimanded. Freedom of speech is sometimes tolerated by a government or a person who possesses political power. Often free speech is not permitted when the ideas expressed are contrary to the government or political figure. The events in China pertaining to Wang Dan and other citizens now, the reign of Robespierre in the latter nineteenth century, Zola also in the latter nineteenth century and the early twentieth, and Socrates in the fourth century BC depict abominations of the right to free speech that countries such as America advocate and take for granted. Freedom of speech is a right that has been intermittently used and denied to people in some countries. Free speech is seemingly dependent upon the events or fears of either the citizens or rulers of a country at a given period in time. Dan was sentenced to eleven years in jail for speaking out against his government. Citizens of France were slaughtered for speaking against Robespierre's government. Zola was sentenced for unfavorable support of a man sentenced but innocent of treason. Socrates preached for years his support of a dictatorship, but when independent groups attempted to install such a rule, the people became threatened and punished Socrates for riling the youth. Perhaps people should decide not take the freedom of speech for granted. Many countries do not enjoy the freedoms that people in the United States are entitled to now and always have been.