Much of what you cite, being able to have and share opinions, etc., has been illegal in much of the world for at least parts of the twentieth century, e.g., Germany from sometime in the late twenties or early thirties, and definitely from the mid thirties on, until 1945; the Soviet Union for much of its existence; Mao's China; Khmer Cambodia; etc.

Democratic politics with free association and free elections with secret ballots are what it possible for you to hold and share your opinions, especially the unpopular ones.