Do you think the right to free speech sometimes goes too far in the US?

Answer 1

Yes. It is taken to the extreme that people can say things that infringe upon others' rights to the pursuit of happiness.

Answer 2

I think the right to free speech is necessary and would work well if some people would not use it to promote hate. Also, there should be someone with integrity somewhere stopping what is not appropriate for children to see or hear- like all the constant sex and profanity in movies and tv. It is becoming a very crude world with low standards. I don't think I'm the only American who is tired of listening to idiocy or watching people be blatant exhibitionists in the name of free speech. Everyone has to be responsible for what they say or do- it is unfortunate that people will do anything for money or exposure. The sense of consideration for others, or just doing what's right, are not big concerns for these people. They are misusing their right. Sad but true. And wrong. Also, not without consequences.

Answer 3

Yes, because most people have no concept of what "free speech" really means. That was specifically meant to give all citizens the right to freely criticize the government without the government being able to persecute the individual.

It has grown to mean that if the Federal Government gives money to an institution the people in that institution can say anything they choose with no fear of retribution (I.E. Ward Churchill not being fired because of the incendiary things he said, but because he plagiarized work).

Free speech is only meant to protect individuals speaking their mind legally in the public square or on the editorial pages of the newspaper for example. Now people shout free speech when their company does not allow a t-shirt with anti-war sentiments on it. Kids shout free speech when the school will not allow t-shirts with rude or vulgar sayings on it.

Free speech has become free art and free music and free anything you use to convey any idea you wish. One of the main ideas of free speech is the ability of the listener to walk away. The difficulty in America is too many people are using the university and college system closed forums to preach their dogma. The students can't leave.

You do not have the right to offend. Remember, your free speech stops at the end of my nose.

Answer 4

Yes it can, but do I want restrictions placed upon it? No. Once we start down that slippery slope, we allow more and more rights to be taken away from us.

Instead, I believe we have the right not to have to listen to things, and that means that we should not be forced to hear something. If someone is performing their right to free speech in a position where others are captive to listening to it and cannot leave, then it is wrong. And that would also include protesting at a funeral.

Answer 5

The right to free speech HAS it's legal limits. You cannot incite a violence without running the risk of arrest and imprisonment. You cannot cause undo alarm, such as talk about hijacking on an airplane or falsely yelling fire in a crowded room. You cannot transmit classified information to someone not cleared to receive that information. Rights come with responsibilities.

Answer 6

No.
All speech made in US should be pre screened and then edited or changed for acceptable content.
Any violators should be imprisoned, tortured, or shot.
When the people run things, then it all goes crazy. Its a fact.

Answer 7

for sure. too many things offend other people. I have noticed that people cuss more openly than they did when I was a child. i work in children's clothing dept. and a lot of parents and customers are cussing with F*** and everything in front of little kids and other people kids. If I heard someone say that in front of my child I would be saying something.

Answer 8

NO.