Is it really necessary to downvote content we don't agree with?

I am new to steemit.
Trying to avoid censorship of "Big Brother" on youtube and facebook I was hoping to find an enclave here. Sadly I came across quite a few comments which have been flagged by other users.

In these days the term "Hate speech" is being used very liberally and I would dare to say also abused by folks who think they are the guardians of political correct language.

Foul language and verbal attacks appear to be "funny" if it comes from politically correct and "approved" sources but not from others who deviate from the main stream.
Don't we apply different meassures if we laugh at the "jokes" from one person, smile if they insult or call out the "Bad Guy" and label it hatespeech if someone else does the same?

Discontent can be perfectly expressed by replying with one's opposing view, critique and maybe even justified outrage. By flagging or downvoting someone's post it becomes unvisible for other users who might agree with it's content.

Stiffling someone's opinions becomes a dangerous slippery road. Who is to say what's right or wrong? Do not forget what happened in Germany eighty years ago.

While lovers of liberty in all lands have urged the necessity of freedom of speech, none put the case more pointedly than Voltaire when he said: “I wholly disapprove of what you say—and will defend to the death your right to say it.”

I would say the downvote option should be reserved to eliminate spam or obvious gang stalking.