What does "Freedom of Speech" really mean?

Question

I think that people may twist this to suit their own desires. What was the true intention of "Freedom" of speech"?

Answer 1

The sense of what this amendment was all about was that you should be allowed to disagree with the government and if you feel the government isn't doing their job or should be changed you have the right to say it. This was all about protests against King George III and the government in Britain at the time of the colonies. The colonists were most worried about tyranny therefore they wanted to allow themselves the opportunity to protest.

However, having talked about original intent, that notion has been far exceeded in today's language and understanding. Today it is understood by the courts as being, you are allowed to say whatever you want as long as it isn't a lie when you are under oath (what Clinton was impeached for) and you aren't allowed to intentionally lie about another person and cause them harm. You can say virtually anything else, legally.

What Don Imus just found out, however, is that what one can say legally and what sponsors on radio stations are willing to allow are two different things. He also has learned the painful reality of the double standard or race and language in this country. What someone can say about their own race is not what is allowed for someone else to say. He also learned that some people can get a free pass for being racists (Sharpton) while he (Imus) isn't. Double standard? Of course. But that's the way we have designed the system today.

Answer 2

You have the right to say what you want, but there are exceptions. Commercial speech (ads) are not given as much protection as regular speech--they can only say what is true. You cannot slander others, or cause harm, like yelling "fire!" in a crowded movie theater. And of course, you must tell the truth when you swear to do so in court. Also, obscene language is not protected by the First Amendment, but that is one of the more controversial parts--at what point do you consider language obscene? A coffee shop near us was once closed because the town council declared its name obscene--it was called "Jackass Coffee," and used a picture of a donkey as its logo.

Answer 3

AHHH Freedom to me is the day I signed my divorce papers: yet yet returned I experienced Freedom is once I have been given my first vehicle I felt so unfastened like i ought to easily bypass everywhere i wanted, it became into this sort of robust feeling ;) The final yet in all probability tied with the divorce is whilst my chum and that i've got been given bailed out of detention center for public intoxication lmao "do no longer ask" and we had to take a seat down in this disgusting cellular over night with a roll of loo paper for a pillow with approximately 8 different ladies in a cellular approximately 5 x 8 no kidding and definite after we've been given bailed out day after at present freedom in no way felt so gooood !!!

Answer 4

It was intended for people to criticize the govt publicly without punishment.
But over the years it has bee expanded to anything as long as it doesn't incite civil disobedience or immediate panic....oh yea disparaging races other than whites.

Answer 5

It means that you can express RESPECTFULLY your opinion about society, government, and everybody else, agreen or disagreen. It is a human right. Every right has its limits. The limit of your right is when they attempt against others people's rights. For example, reputation.

Answer 6

It means say what you want - just be prepared there will be consequences ... but only for some, not all (ask Imus).

Answer 7

I always told my kids that . . .

"You can say anything you want, just be careful how you say it." This has always worked for me.

Answer 8

Obviously not what it sounds like.