What do you think Freedom of Speech actually means?

It goes well beyond just saying what you want to say, within the confines of the law, without fear of retribution. Airing a commercial on TV, contributing money to a political candidate and even the right to not "speak," like not taking part in the Pledge of Allegiance, all fall under Free Speech. But I think it's a phrase that has been perverted. Many use it now just as a way of hiding behind abhorrent, ignorant or untruthful views when they're called out for them.