One of America’s most prized freedoms is the freedom of speech.

Unfortunately, freedom of speech is accompanied by the freedom not to listen.

On this Fourth of July, we see Americans taking full advantage of their freedom to express opinions, often in very polarizing ways and very polarized venues.

The explosion of information sources has made it increasingly easy to listen only to information that confirms or supports our own personal views. Emboldened by others who agree with our thinking, we tend to become more entrenched in our opinions and less willing to consider the opinions of those with whom we differ.

It’s not a matter of listening to, considering and then rejecting another’s rationale; it’s more like we can no longer even have the conversation.

How often do we hesitate to express an opinion because we don’t know how it will be received? We tend to only talk about important topics when we are reasonably comfortable that the other people in the conversation hold similar views.

That’s understandable, in a way, because of how polarized our society is becoming. Disagreement has somehow been paired with disrespect. It seems that the concept of “loyal opposition” has been lost. We can’t like one another, listen to one another and yet respectfully disagree.

America’s polarization also encourages an increasingly partisan attitude in government. Former Sen. Bob Dole and many of those he served with in the U.S. Congress recall a time when colleagues from across the aisle could get together and seek solutions together. Too often, these days, members of Congress and state legislatures are more concerned about scoring political points or punishing political opponents than in serving the public good.

Freedom of speech is important because it contributes to the free flow of ideas in a democracy. When we surround ourselves with people, media and politicians who think just like we do, we shut ourselves off to a whole range of ideas that it might be useful to understand. We don’t have to agree with all of the ideas, but if we listen and consider, we might occasionally find a point to ponder. And when you make the effort to listen to someone else, they just might be more open to what you have to say.

If we have enough honest discussions and honest disagreements, we just might find some new places to agree and work together.

Now, there’s a reason to celebrate freedom of speech.