With Independence Day beckoning, we think of the many freedoms that we enjoy in the United States, including freedom of speech and of a free press. We were reminded by headline news in recent weeks as to the responsibility behind that liberty.

When a person espouses words and ideas that create distress or recreates trauma for any person or group of people, promotion of that person gives credence to negativity. This is where journalists must tread carefully, where every person must give consideration to statements made. In a day and age when "alternative facts" fly around the globe faster than Santa Claus on Christmas Eve, falsehoods and hate are swiftly compounded. When journalism takes the low road it is an embarrassment to all who are devoted to honest news reporting.

Journalism provides fact-based information on people, governments, social issues, and events that may affect lives. It helps people make wise decisions when ethically dispensed. Sensationalism is the dark side of journalism that appeals to the base curiosity of human nature. It distorts facts and tailors information to suit its needs and titillate an audience. It gives credence to tasteless, hurtful, and harmful voices. Speech is free, but a price is paid when words are carelessly vetted.

Americans speak out as loudly as the firecrackers that deafen the ears on July 4, and we should speak out with confidence, knowing that no matter how much someone disagrees with what we say, we can safely say it. Well substantiated conversation can lead to new ideas and enlightenment; it can help us see another's point of view, and celebrates educated opinions that broaden our global outlook.

It is unfortunate that arrogant rantings draw a following, or that viewers and listeners are mesmerized by bold lies cloaked as truth - or are drawn in by the spectacle of idiocy. It is painful to think that there is a population willing to overlook a lack of accuracy and be so easily taken in by rhetoric that thrives on loud bluster and language that emboldens willful acts of violence - and that there is a venue for doing so.

That Congress may make no law "abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press" does not mean it is acceptable to lie with intent to produce a discordant environment. It does not mean that we should not choose our words thoughtfully. There are those who would tarnish our country's reputation with inciteful, rather than insightful, speech. Respectful discourse is human decency and sensitivity does not need to be governed by law.

We are, of course, free not to listen, not to tune in, not to read, and not to believe what lies beyond the realm of truth. We are free to determine what we will or will not share.

Celebrate the liberties we have this Fourth of July; send flares high, but let illuminations be more than sparks in the sky.