British journalist and author Nick Cohen discusses the effect of the 2008 economic crisis on freedom in the Western world, expressing concern that democracies are sacrificing freedom for the sake of trade, religion,and ideology. He is critical of Western writers, artists, activists, and journalists for voicing their opinions and dissent only when they know it is safe, but never in the face of real danger. He warns the audience that”censorship is at its most effective when no one believes it exists,”and urges the continued opposition of all forms of restriction on free speech.