Tobacco companies are attempting to get laws restructing cigarette advertising abolished using the argument that these laws restrict their "freedom of speech"
2007-03-18 04:37:10 · 6 answers · asked by just_asking 1 in Politics & Government ➔ Law & Ethics
They should have that right but the liberal media doesn't think so.
2007-03-18 05:31:02 · answer #1 · answered by Kevin A 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Current constitutional interpretations limit some types of speech, including fraudulent or misleding commercial advertising.
The reason is public policy -- people don't always have the resources (or intelligence) to realize they're being lied to.
Personally, I believe that everyone should be responsible for what they choose to believe. Even if it's fatal to them. Sounds harsh, but the alternative is making the assumption that people are not intelligent enough to think for themselves, and I consider that attitude worse.
2007-03-18 11:52:32 · answer #2 · answered by coragryph 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I think the word "harm" is ambiguous. I also think having the Surgeon General's warning on tobacco products is enough. There are SOOOOOO many "harmful" things in the world and you just can't reasonably expect to keep everyone safe from everything. Relax.
2007-03-18 11:48:02 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
It's all said and good as long as you (in this case the tobacco companies) are doing the advertising, but beware that they (JEL perhaps) would also get a better shot at you to be fair.
2007-03-18 11:41:19 · answer #4 · answered by Brian I 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
corygraph , it seems we are agreeing on to many things here, I salute you , you sure hit it this time , some people think every one needs protection , I think the gov, has did to much protecting already, and should be compelled to return to what jurisdiction the constitution gave them as they have complete control over us now , the people were supposedly in control of the gov, but we all got lazy and sat on our collective arses to long , now lets stand up and be heard and make the gov, relinquish the power they have given them selves, and let our states make and enforce our laws,
2007-03-18 12:20:11 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
i, also, am a libertarian who believes a grown-up should be treated like a grown-up--however, what do we do about the folks who really are too stupid to live...how do we protect them from unscrupulous people, and even from themselves...opening companies up to frivolous lawsuits..it's not black and white, is it?
2007-03-18 12:29:36 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋