Can war and freedom of speech co-exist?

Question

Trying to win a scholarship by making a film about this and different opinions both positive and negative would be greatly appreciated thanks

Answer 1

I would encourage you to first thoroughly explore what our founding fathers REALLY meant by freedom of speech, then explore whether some of the acts that people in recent years have tried to claim as being freedom of speech.

You can start with the classic yelling "fire" in a crowded theater example. Would revealing information that could cause the death of allied forces or other innocent people be the wartime equivalent of yelling "fire?" I would argue "yes."

There is also the perception that "freedom of speech" trumps breaking other laws in carrying out that freedom. So, if you are exercising your right of freedom of speech, does that mean it doesn't matter if you vandalize local property, cause riots, commit criminal trespass, slander someone else, etc.? Again, I would say "no."

Then there is...Is an "act" a speech? Because if it is, then where do you draw the line? Is having sex in the local public park freedom of speech, burning the flag, seeking public funding for obscene art, etc.?

Most people agree that our laws must be based on some set of values, but if people can circumvent those values (and laws) by claiming freedom of speech, then our laws...and values...have no meaning. Freedom of speech should not mean "freedom of consequence."

Good luck on your project.

Answer 2

People have always been free to say whats on their minds. Even in a free society it seems there can be a price for speaking your mind. The question is - is a person willing to accept the consequences for what he or she says.

In Iran people may say whats on their minds - but some of them get hanged. In America some people's careers have suffered for making public their opinions for or against the war from both liberal and conservative sources.

Expression by voting is also attacked. Some select republicans and some select democrats have both in one way or another prevented certain people from voting. I have been victim of this very thing from democrats.

So yes - freedom of speech and war can co-exist. In most of the above examples you can equate violence and negative reactions with war.

Hitler (and those like him) exercised freedom of speech - as well as forbidding others that same right.

Answer 3

Look at world history. In some country freedom of speech cause war as well as peace talk too. Good luck on your film making

Answer 4

In America's case the two have to co-exist, one of the main reasons we're fighting the war is for "freedom of speech". There are those in the administration that would like us to keep our mouths shut if we desent, but "freedom of speech" is too prescious to sacrafice, even, and especially, in time of war.

Answer 5

Absolutely they can co-exist and obviously they do as people disparage President Bush and the war in Iraq every day. I suspect that whenever there is war, there will be people complaining about it.

Answer 6

Freedom is just another word for nothing left to lose.

Answer 7

No. Censorship is needed. Lack of it cost us Vietnam.