Is Free Speech Really the Highest Value?
RealClearPolitics
by Josh Hammer, NewsweekFebruary 13, 2026
AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary
The third annual RealClearMedia Samizdat Prize Gala celebrated free speech as a cornerstone of democracy, honoring recipients who champion this fundamental value across political spectra. The event, held in Palm Beach, Florida, awarded the Samizdat Prize to Harvard Law professor Alan Dershowitz, comedy writer Graham Linehan, and Turning Point USA founder Charlie Kirk for their dedication to defending free expression. RealClearMedia, known for its role in promoting political diversity through content aggregation and polling, organized the gala to recognize individuals who challenge censorship and advocate for open dialogue.
RealClearMedia’s mission to foster ideological diversity aligns with the Samizdat Prize’s goal of honoring those who protect free speech. This year’s winners exemplify the importance of diverse perspectives: Dershowitz, a renowned legal scholar, has long fought for justice and civil liberties; Linehan, an Irish-born comedy writer known for his irreverent humor, uses satire to critique societal norms; and Kirk, a leader in youth conservatism, emphasizes the need for transparency and accountability in public discourse. Their inclusion highlights how free speech can transcend political boundaries.
The event underscores the growing importance of free speech in today’s polarized world. As debates over censorship intensify across social media platforms and institutions, champions of open expression are increasingly vital. The Samizdat Prize serves as a reminder that protecting free speech is not just about political correctness but about safeguarding democracy itself. For readers interested in politics and civil liberties, this gala offers a powerful example of how diverse voices can unite under the shared value of free expression.
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Originally published on RealClearPolitics on 2/13/2026