Argues that the freedom of expression guaranteed by the First Amendment of the Constitution is a means to an end, rather than an end in itself. To maintain its credibility as a means of promoting truth & the good, limits must be imposed on freedom of expression: it should be extended only to "speech that matters" (eg, political & religious debate & art), not to advertising, pornography, etc. Misconceptions & limitations of the First Amendment's guarantees of freedom of speech & press are discussed. The First Amendment prohibits only government, not private, restrictions of free speech. Freedom of speech also is limited to allow laws against slander, libel, false advertisement, etc. 6 References. J. Ferrari