Freedom Of Speech

[ClubMed]

Should there be any kind of censorship concerning freedom of speech?

Or must all forms of speech be allowed in order to truly say that freedom of speech is guaranteed?

Should both the racist and the tolerant be allowed to voice their opinions?

Edit: fixed spelling.

No.
Yes.
Yes.

[pickel]

You can say anything you want, but make sure that when you say it , that if it does offend someone else just make sure he's smaller than you are

[daveleau]

Freedom of speech must be preserved. That is what the Founding Fathers would have wanted and it is what they meant to have happen. They just did not realize that the world would be filled with so many idiots that would not know what the difference between good sense and the abuse of a good thing is. There are many who abuse the right to free speech. It should not be taken away though, but we, as Americans should stamp out those idiots who open their big fat mouths by lending them a deaf ear. Let them shout their idiocy from the rooftops. I will just ignore them.

A good example of the abuse of free speech is the activism of our celebrities who are speaking out about the election and the will of the people.

[Xeroid]

There is a difference between freedom of speech and libel or slander. You can legally say anything you want (as long as it's true).

[Knothead]

Heheh, Dave.

Yep, freedom of speech is one of the most amazing things about America. We can shoot our mouths off about nearly anything!!

Although I do subscribe to the doctrine about not shouting "Fire!" in a crowded theater, i.e., where "freedom of speech" is a threat to life and limb.

But that aside, it gives all of us free reign to either:

a): Uplift our fellows with inspiration, or

b): Demonstrate our idiocy.

I try for "a". Sometimes achieve "b"...but at least nobody's trying to kill me for either one!

I think.

God Bless America. With all its flaws, it's still the best dream that man has ever dreamed.

I've never lived in a country that suppresses freedom of speech, so I can't really say what it would be like. But would I voluntarily agree to suppression of freedom of speech? No.

Even though people may have different ideas than I do, suppressing them is a form of dictatorship, IMO. Pushing my views onto someone else.

Bear in mind, though, that each society needs laws to protect people from harm. So freedom of speech must always be defined with legal boundaries, as Xeroid mentioned.

Cheers
Mick

[Theophylact]

Because I love the sound of my own words, I'm gonna quote myself:

Freedom of speech is a fine thing, but it means putting up with people who behave badly, insultingly, foolishly and (sometimes) even dangerously. I favor the maximum freedom of speech consistent with physical security -- one shouldn't be allowed to threaten bodily harm or incite mob violence -- but there are, alas, tradeoffs.

[Sweet]

Hi Clubmed, my answers agree with Shahani.
No
Yes
Yes

This idealism must be so obtuse for people who are not allowed this freedom. I think the definition of freedom is one that every single individual on this planet would dearly embrace. I value the freedom I have so preciously. I feel so very empathetic to the people in the world today who do not have the opportunity to embrace freedom. The idea of Freedom will endure through the millenia.... in some way or means.......

Have you heard the song that states so proudly about being an American. I think that the pride that is felt by hearing those lyrics is envyied by some and provide goosebumps to others.

Clubmed, you ask about the most precious and most basic freedoms we have the HONOR to enjoy because of the many young men who gave the ultimate sacrifice for their country. In some way, I do believe that you understand this. I think it might be more interesting to specifically ask this same question of the people who live in France, Poland, Germany, etc....

(Did you know that today is Veteran's Day here in America?)
Sometimes the pride I feel swells so much, it consumes me. I have vets everywhere in my life.

Just with my readings today..... the info is that many vets have retired to Florida and as many as 1000 WWII vets per day are passing away. We must never forget the trials and sacrifices they endured to give us the freedom to burn our own gol darn flag if that makes the point. Men died, freedom endures.
I am so so very thankful for the men who died for ME. They were just children on a mission, turned into men, convinced that the way to victory was to go forward, no matter what. To those men of the greatest generation, I offer my humblest thanks and gratitude. I also give you my promise that I AND my prodiginy will respect the ideals of freedom.

Someday freedom will envelop tthe entire planet. I look forward to that day.