It seems like people are overly harsh when they reply to questions (particularly political ones). If someone is against the war in Iraq or President Bush... all too many people say that person should be "bashed in the head" or "deported". If they support the war and the President, they somehow "have a screw loose". Isn't freedom of speech one of the most important things we've got going?
2007-02-06 07:30:31 · 20 answers · asked by Kenneth M 2 in Politics & Government ➔ Other - Politics & Government
Kenneth ... I see you've got a few good answers already. However, the problem with Yahoo Answers and other similar forums is that they invite abuse and sometimes utter stupidity by allowing the users to remain completely anonymous. People sometimes say things they'd NEVER say to your face, but with their identify completely shielded from other users, some folks with "doo-doo" for brains treat this forum as their personal playground.
Futhermore, now that computers and the Internet give everyone's comments the potential to be heard globally, people have just gone NUTS as they use (and often abuse) this tool that allows their words to be heard far and wide.
As for freedoms in general, with freedom comes a lot of responsibility. First of all, freedom is not free, but too many have been taking their freedoms for granted. Now that the military is a little short on people, a lot of Americans look the other way. But when those towers fell and the Pentagon was ablaze, how many people were calling Michael Moore, Tim Robbins, and Jane Fonda? You get my point?
I don't doubt the sincerity of these "anti-everything" Hollywood folks. But if they've got a better idea, then they ought to run for office or organize letter-writing campaigns, perhaps. But the message I get from these people is "We're anti-this and anti-that ... And we just love to complain and oppose things that hard-working people are striving for." I don't hear these chronic complainers coming up with solutions to ANYthing ... They're only filled with complaints. ANYone can complain ... Finding solutions is another matter.
I hope I didn't get too far off-track. Thanks for a very good question, Kenneth. Good luck to you, sir.
2007-02-06 07:58:07 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
They are ranting just like you are. The government really isn't the one limiting free speech in the context you described (they do it occasionally in other areas though). In the end, it is you that is restricting your speech--government restrictions as far as race are concerned are pretty minor--I think you could (maybe) get charged with verbal assault for dropping the n bomb. What makes you feel this way is the media and the message being sent by black leaders. You should think about this message as being the closest to finding out what black people want that you'll be able to figure (since I don't expect you to be friends). Political correctness is just rules for manners--so that you don't accidentally say something insulting. If you want to be insulting on purpose, by all means speak your mind.
2016-05-24 00:23:55 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Freedom of speech like many other freedoms have either disappeared or are in peril since late January 2001. Hopefully we will start getting them back soon otherwise we'll have to wait until Jan. 20, 2009 to begin to have full freedom back.
2007-02-06 08:00:12 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
I'm all for free speech but I disagree with those who think it's ok to be disrespectful & insulting (e.g. racist/sexist) towards others in the name of 'free speech'. At the end of the day, we live in the world with others who are inevitably different to us and we need to be conscious of that when we speak. The most intelligent speaker is one that can get the message across without having to resort to swearing, insults, and slurs - that's when people will listen and respect what you're saying, even if they disagree.
2007-02-06 07:45:28 · answer #4 · answered by Mrs. Miller 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It's still right there in the first amendment.
As you stated, freedom of speech IS one of the most important things we have going - and it's a two way street. Others may not like what you have to say, and you may not like what others have to say, but both of you have the right to say it no matter how idiotic or juvenile it might be.
I'm with you. I wish people like that wouldn't open their mouths either, but they have the right to continue spewing their moronic drivel because the first amendment protects their blithering just like it protects ours.
2007-02-06 07:39:13 · answer #5 · answered by kcbrez009 2 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Freedom of speech has been going away for a long time now. You can not yell "Fire!" in a movie theater. You can't say raciest remarks like calling someone the n-word. You can not slander people or incite people to riot. You can not verbally threaten someone, etc., etc.
What happened to the good old days?
2007-02-06 07:41:02 · answer #6 · answered by MiddleAgeVet 4 · 0⤊ 1⤋
One of the most important, yes. And whatever happened to it? I think you've just given us some very good examples of it in action. In many nations you'd be executed for saying those things. It's Freedom OF Speech, not Freedom of Nice, Polite, Sociable Speech. Sheesh; I can't believe that I have to explain these things to you people.
2007-02-06 07:41:04 · answer #7 · answered by Timothy S 3 · 0⤊ 3⤋
We HAVE freedom of speech - the government isn't telling you what you can or cannot say.
What you are talking about is mutual respect - not guaranteed by law, hoped for in real life, but not often achieved.
2007-02-06 07:33:36 · answer #8 · answered by American citizen and taxpayer 7 · 5⤊ 0⤋
For many people, Freedom of Speech is for everyone who agrees with them, and no one who disagrees with them. Its becoming a lost virtue in our country.
2007-02-06 07:35:24 · answer #9 · answered by flyguy03 3 · 3⤊ 0⤋
1) The harsh posts go both ways, open your eyes.
2) Freedom of speech cuts both ways. You say what you want to (your freedom of speech) & I'll criticize what you say (MY freedom of speech).
3) The 1st amendment applies to governments, not Y!A.
2007-02-06 08:42:22 · answer #10 · answered by yupchagee 7 · 0⤊ 2⤋