What exactly does "freedom of speech" mean anymore?

Question

There doesn't seem to be a real answer. I mean it is always a response to someone getting upset about what someone else said - but then others say that we only have freedom of speech as long as it doesn't hurt anyone else? Since when did the people of this great country gain manners? And why are the manners only towards speech?

Answer 1

To most people, freedom of speech means that anyone who agrees with them have the right to say anything that they want, and those who disagree should just keep their mouths shut.

Personally, I think we're living in a time when freedom of speech is being pushed beyond its limits, and people take advantage of their constitutionally-given right to be assholes.

**edit: Well, technically, freedom of speech means that as American citizens, we have the right to speak our mind, as long as we aren't vocalizing a threat to do harm to other people. For example, I can walk up and down the street all day and say that I don't like you (just an example, no offense intended), but once I start saying that I'm going to beat you up or kill you, I've infringed on your rights.

What people forget is that freedom of speech applies to everyone: not just the christians, or atheists, or caucasians or hispanics .... and so on. We all have the right to speak our mind and share our opinions.

Answer 2

Freedom of speech means what it has always meant in this country. You can express your opinions without the government stopping you.
Freedom of speech does not... repeat does not mean not being held accountable for what you say. Go ahead and say dreadfully offensive things (as long as it's not meant to incite a riot) but be prepared when people use their own freedom of speech to object to it or otherwise challenge what you said

Answer 3

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Answer 4

Well, you don't have the right to slander/libel someone, you don't have the right to incite riot or advocate overthrow of the government (though you can these, in a theoretical sense). You have the right to criticize the government, Congress, president, etc. (anti-sedition laws are unconstitutional). You have the right to express you opinion about something.

Answer 5

Lately, it seems to mean that you have the freedom to say whatever you want, as long as you don't say it out loud where anyone might accidentally hear you.

Answer 6

it means we have the right to say whatever we want, as long as it is in agreement with your editors, or the television network you work for. and isn't an opposition to what the majority of people in America are saying.....

Answer 7

I don't understand the religious significance of this question. I think this is more of a political question.

As a constitutional right, it seems to mean less and less.

Answer 8

It means that you can say whatever you want. Only in the right time, place....

Answer 9

You are free to express yourself - as long as you keep it to yourself.