It is glaringly apparent that freedom of speech only goes one way in this country and in the present political climate. If we did have free speech, certainly Nick Griffin could not have been prosecuted simply for expressing his views to other like minded individuals behind closed doors at a private meeting. This case should have sounded warning bells to all that value freedom That it did not, simply illustrtates the fear that has been instilled upon people. More and more people are afraid to voice the truth as they see it. The fear of being labelled a racist or fascist is palpable but even if this fear is silencing people, it cannot change the way they think.
2006-09-15 08:03:44 · 16 answers · asked by Anonymous in Politics & Government ➔ Other - Politics & Government
We still have "some" freedom of speech. I would say around 50% has been anilated by laws passed by the Federal Government and so called "Federal Judges".
When I was growing up you could say ANYTHING you wanted to to ANYBODY....................as long as your butt was large enough to either take a whipping or put one on someone. No more and no less. Now......you could end up in prison for saying certain things or words. Pops
2006-09-15 08:18:31 · answer #1 · answered by Pops 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
We still have freedom of speech but there has to be some restrictions on it. Where people, of any race, religion or organisation are misusing that freedom to the detriment of others it should not be tolerated.
I do not, and should not, have the right to verbally abuse you, or your wife, or your family simply because you are not like me or you disagree with my cause.
Freedom of speech is something to be valued but it has to be used responsibly otherwise its value is instantly diminished. Speech can be a powerful weapon and it is up to those that recognise that to curtail the actions of those who would use it in this way.
2006-09-15 16:19:57 · answer #2 · answered by bob kerr 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Free speech doesn't protect against hecklers, or those who yell and froth at the mouth and point fingers.
Free speech only protects against government censorship. And we still haven't yet crossed that line. Barely.
But free speech is not always unlimited. Even in the US, there are certain types of speech that are not protected. And most other countries have laws allowing even greater restrictions.
The Nick Griffin incident involved a charge of incitement to racial hatred, which is illegal under British law. And if that speech had the likelihood of causing immediate violence, then it could be illegal under US law as well.
There are always going to be legal lines drawn, and some things that are protected versus unprotected. The goal is being able to draw those lines rationally and fairly, and to enforce them evenly.
2006-09-15 15:07:00 · answer #3 · answered by coragryph 7 · 1⤊ 1⤋
Lot of Americans on here!
Does the question only apply to the States? or is it open to other nations?
We all have freedom of speech! As long as it falls in line with government policy!
2006-09-15 16:37:56 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Quit your whining, the mere fact that you can publicly ask such a question and then illustrate why free speech doesn't exist pretty much demonstrates free speech is alive and well. You think?
2006-09-15 15:07:32 · answer #5 · answered by Dane 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
i think u already know the answer to this free speech was an idea but think about t his money talks louder than any thing so the haves usually make the decisions while the rest of us deal
2006-09-15 15:11:08 · answer #6 · answered by virginia m 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
This is America!! We've been around a while & the constitution hasn't changed much! Freedom of speech, what'ya think Yahoo answers is all about?
2006-09-15 15:05:44 · answer #7 · answered by redirishactress 5 · 1⤊ 1⤋
Pay close attention to presidential order 10995, allows the government to seize and control the communication media!
www.global-conspiracies.com
It is time for a revolution NOW!
2006-09-15 15:08:02 · answer #8 · answered by citizen ex 2 · 1⤊ 1⤋
yes but hurry up because the goverment are going to put a
stealth tax on , there's nothing free in this world says mr
brown .
2006-09-15 15:16:07 · answer #9 · answered by richie 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
free speech is vital to governments - allowing it means people can easily be identified as "trouble makers" by they airing their views.
2006-09-15 19:08:14 · answer #10 · answered by phil d 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋