2007-04-10 05:05:39 · 17 answers · asked by TxSup 5 in Politics & Government ➔ Politics
Sometimes, in order to save freedom of speech, we must silence the opposition.
2007-04-10 05:09:51 · answer #1 · answered by Studbolt Slickrock Deux 4 · 1⤊ 3⤋
Usually when you ask stuff like this, people are just going to come on here and bash either republicans or democrats saying their beliefs are the correct ones, e.g. Sarge1572's answer. Thats ignorant.
Democrats basically believe that free speech should be a protected right, since they mostly favor liberal positions, and in liberalism, free speech is one of the core beliefs. Republicans also believe in free speech, since thats one of the main amendments of the Constitution. I think they agree on that, but those taking more liberal positions would argue that all speech should be allowed, no matter how hateful it may be.
2007-04-10 12:15:08 · answer #2 · answered by ayatollah_of_rock_and_rollah00 3 · 0⤊ 1⤋
It sure sounds that way to me sometimes, though individually I think you would have a hard time supporting that concept.
Free speech is a two edged sword really.
Yes, you have the right and freedom to express your opinions in any manner you choose. That you might be held up to contempt and ridicule for the manner you chose is also a possible scenario.
In any conflict, whether martial or verbal, it is very difficult indeed to make what one considers an attack without also opening oneself up to counter attack.
So, I think that it is very good advise that "I'd rather not speak and be thought a fool than speak and take away all doubt."
I think we would be much better off if people would take the time to thoughtfully consider their comments and answers (and questions) before they post them.
Too often, all doubt as to their foolishness is removed when they don't.
2007-04-10 12:13:11 · answer #3 · answered by cappi 3 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Some Repubs have openly called for Rosie to be jailed as a traitor for questioning the ability of a hydrocarbon fire to melt steel. She hasn't said the US government is implicated; all she said was that fire couldn't have been the reason WTC 7 went down.
You call that respect for free speech? If free speech were truly respected around here, the mainstream Republicans would refute Rosie's assertions openly. Too bad all they've done is set their media attack dogs (Limbaugh, Hannity, O'Reilly, etc.) to spew ad-hominem attacks on her weight rather than actually refuting any of her claims..
2007-04-10 12:16:16 · answer #4 · answered by eatmorec11h17no3 6 · 1⤊ 1⤋
I think that the term censorship is overused on both sides. Most people do not realize that the censorship of today does not come from the government but from the people. Companies firing employees for racist remarks is not censorship. It comes from the free market of the people. Freedom of speech does not mean you are free from consequences of that speech.
2007-04-10 12:25:18 · answer #5 · answered by sarpedons 3 · 2⤊ 0⤋
There are some cons on here who don't know what the first amendment is all about.
It guarantees that CONGRESS will not limit the right to free speech. A private corporation on the other hand is within its right to fire somebody who says something offensive if they think it's going to hurt their bottom line: profits.
2007-04-10 12:15:51 · answer #6 · answered by trovalta_stinks_2 3 · 1⤊ 1⤋
I don't know if it is politicians or the FCC or the politicians controlling the FCC. For example:
on prime time tv I hear GD used very often - a comment that is not politically correct because if offend many people.
on prime time tv I hear word such as SH--, ASSH--- and other dubbed - comments that are equally offensive to many people.
I find it strange that comments that 'may' offend anyone, such as Christmas, MUST be banned - yet a single derogatory phrase that is utterly offensive is deemed fine for prime time tv.
2007-04-10 12:14:25 · answer #7 · answered by ? 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Yes. One example it the burning of American flags. Our somewhat left leaning court has ruled this as speech while our more conservative representatives have kicked around the notion of passing an amendment to ban this behavior.
2007-04-10 12:09:50 · answer #8 · answered by bsandyman 3 · 3⤊ 0⤋
Yes. They have different ideas about most things. But ideas are just that. Personal opinions. Neither is wrong or right for everyone.
2007-04-10 12:55:23 · answer #9 · answered by ItsJustMe 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You bet they do.
Democrats believe free speech is what THEY say and everyone elses should be censored, unless of course they agree with them.
Republicans believe free speech is a constitutionally protected and guaranteed part of being an American.
2007-04-10 12:09:59 · answer #10 · answered by Sarge1572 5 · 4⤊ 3⤋