“Give me the liberty to know, to utter, and to argue freely according to conscience, above all liberties.”

Freedom of speech (not "expression") is certainly important, although some confuse this with a non-existent right to be heard, but the most important right is to self defense, and the means to carry it out.

The source says it all -- poetry was more of a vehicle for social commentary and the cause of human justice then political rehetoric that too often falls on deaf ears that is already entrenched in its own preconceived ideology.

All rights are inalienable and must be protected equally. I believe the author is trying to say that if he can argue what is wrong, people will listen, I believe the vast majority of people are only hearing the call to a free lunch, in great part disparaging the statement's underlying meaning.

EGL, thank you, you said it better than I did.

There are not multiple "liberties", there is only liberty. No one gives me liberty, it something I own by virtue of the "Laws of Nature and of Nature's God." If necessary, I will defend it or die trying. Milton seems to imply that his freedom of speech is dependent on someone giving him that right.

Freedom starts with the ability to think freely and ultimately to 'declare' oneself -- like one's own freedom. Every stand begins with a declaration -- no one can take that away no matter how many laws are written or tyrants in power.