Freedom Of Speech? It Cost Peter His Life

I truly believe that free speech is what has made America a great nation. Free speech is a very, very special concept/idea/persuasion/philosophy/power and right. Nothing compares to it. It is too special. Apostle Peter told a man who was lame from birth: "Silver and gold I do not have, but what I do have I give you: In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth; rise up and walk." And he took him by the right hand and lifted him up, and immediately his feet and ankle bones received strength. So he, leaping up, stood and walked and entered the temple with them, walking, leaping, and praising God." (Please check Chapters 3 and 4 of the book of Acts in the Bible) Yes, it was a miracle that took place. The rulers of the people and the elders of Israel clearly realized it. What did they do? They prohibited Peter and the other believers from "speaking at all or teaching in the name of Jesus." How did Peter respond? "But Peter and John answered and said to them whether it is right in the sight of God to listen to you more than to God, you judge. For we cannot but SPEAK the things which we have seen and heard." (caps mine) (Acts 4:19,20) Peter kept on preaching. He was imprisoned and eventually crucified. (head down on a cross) All for practicing freedom of speech. Also, if freedom of speech discontinues in the United States of America, this great country will soon become a Third World Country. I do not refer to declaring national secrets that threaten the security of the nation. Nor do I propose scandalous declarations that ruin reputations and/or threaten the health and safety of people. We are beyond that. Freedom of speech is paramount, and must continue to be so.