Why is the freedom of speech?

Answer 1

In the US you do not have any major limitation of freedom of speech, and the same goes for most other Western countries. Any limitations in force usually concern incitations to hatred or violence against minority groups and such. Also, freedom of speech never gives you a licence to break the law.

In countries that have limited the freedom of speech the idea is usually that the powers that be want to suppress criticism of Party or Government policies or want to silence opposition parties or movements.