"If you're in favor of freedom of speech, that means you're in favor of freedom of speech precisely for views you despise." -- Noam Chomsky
2007-05-11 05:48:25 · 24 answers · asked by Anonymous in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
Hey, freedom of speech only extends to me. Everyone else needs to shut the hell up. ;0)
2007-05-11 05:51:49 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 5⤊ 1⤋
Agree. Freedom of speech is protected by the First Amendment. If a member of the Ku Klux Klan would like to have a rally, I can't legally do anything to stop it. It is his right. That's the beauty of this country. We can speak our minds without fearing punishment. It goes both ways, but I'm happy to accept it. If some groups are censored, our country forgets the principles upon which it was founded.
2007-05-11 06:04:54 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 0⤋
As nearly any generalization about people, it is neither entirely true, nor entirely false. It applies to some. Believe me (if you so desire), I would LOVE to believe that there is an afterlife, in which I could do and experience anything and everything I've ever wanted to. Nothing would make me happier. For all I know, there may be one. But I cannot believe it, with any certainty. Because I have thoughts. I see reality for what it is, rather than skewing it in favor of my own personal desires. There are plenty of others for whom this is true. Then, there are people who have irrational hopes and/or prejudices. If they are not willing to understand that they are irrational, their only choice is to find an excuse to justify them. And so, we get "faith". One's own perspective is perceived as elevated above all others, completely invalidating (as far as the individual is concerned) opposing beliefs with just as much credibility. It's terribly amusing, the way each individual's God agrees with them about everything. What they see as absolutely wrong, their God is fiercely opposed to. What they see as admissible, so does he.
2016-05-20 22:20:47 · answer #3 · answered by ? 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Sure. But even the Supreme Court has upheld certain limits on the freedom of speech.
2007-05-11 05:51:54 · answer #4 · answered by sparty035 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I agree, however there are forums for certain speech. Also, certain celebrities and "role models" should be careful of their speech and not use riot inciting speech, similar to screaming "Fire!" in a crowded theatre. I don't mind if you have different views from me, but dont expect me to buy the book, watch your show, or agree with you. Don't use freedom of speech to excuse stupidity, noise, unsolicited advice, or pornographic language.
2007-05-11 05:59:03 · answer #5 · answered by MrMyers 5 · 1⤊ 1⤋
I could not agree more. This is why people need to think about their reactions to folks like Fred Phelps and company. Yes, they are clearly reprehensible. But trying to deny them the right to say what they do is a dangerous move and a bad precedent. You just might find yourself to be the one needing such a defense some day.
2007-05-11 05:59:40 · answer #6 · answered by Aspurtaime Dog Sneeze 6 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Ah yes, good ol' Noam. Wants no patents and freedom of info for everyone, for free, BUT all is stuff is copywrighted and you have to get permission and pay to use it.
Doesn't believe in capitalism BUT he has million dollar property on Cape Cod.
Believes that when you die everything you have goes back to society BUT all his stuff is willed to his daughter.
Ahhhh, the hypocritical socialist liberals. You gotta love them. They know what's best for everyone, don't they?
2007-05-11 05:57:05 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 1⤋
Agree. But Chomsky does not outdo the most powerful credo of Free Speech: "I disagree with what you say, but I will fight for your right to say it".
2007-05-11 06:02:49 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 0⤋
Yes... as much as I'd love to be able to say shut up to people who annoy me I can't. At some point if we are allowed to then we will lose freedom of speech altogether.
Some days it's really difficult to behave. Today is one of those days. ;-)
2007-05-11 05:54:25 · answer #9 · answered by Janet L 6 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Freedom of speech is meaningless unless unpopular speech is protected - popular speech needs no protection.
2007-05-11 06:08:21 · answer #10 · answered by YY4Me 7 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Agree. I despise the religious teachings of the Abrahamic religions, yet I will fight for and defend their right to speak their opinions.
2007-05-11 05:53:11 · answer #11 · answered by Medusa 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋