What good is freedom of speech if people have fear to use it?

Answer 1

It is no longer "freedom" of speech......

Answer 2

Freedom has got no absolute definition any how. Why bother about absolute definitions?

A mouse is free animal as long as a hungry cat is not in the vicinity. So is the case with less-powerful with the mighty.

Don't you know the philosophy on which the whole modern biology stands, "Survival of the fittest" or "Nature is red in tooth and claw".

Moreover, what you are mentioning is about a legal axiom made in the constitution. Therefore, you should limit your thinking to the definition of the context.

In an absolute sense, even law is binding. Therefore, Freedom means an absolute freedom even from the law. So what do you say?

Laws are there because crime is there. You fear some criminals too!

Answer 3

Freedom of speech ? It is a paper concept only. Fear has always been the best tool to keep the masses controlled.

Answer 4

I know. Why have the American people been so coward downed by what we're told instead of what standing up for what's been laid down by our founding fathers.

It's a very simple idea. Able to express yourself in a manner that doesn't hurt someone, then you're ok. But some take it to extremes of what hurts them. If you don't like, don't listen or watch it. Simple enough for ya? I hope so.

But now, protesters are caged up in their "free speech zones" to protest. Protesting is there because people want change. But now the idea of wanting something for a better cause has been flipped to the point where anyone who participates in protests is evil, a terrorist, an undesirable. BS in my mind.

Everyone's entitled to their own opinion. When you get demonized for it, then that's where I have problems.

Answer 5

I don't believe that it is always fear that prevents people from exercising their freedom of speech, but rather ignorance. By which I mean, that a person may not feel qualified or educated enough to make themselves understood in a rational way. I may not agree with something going on around me, but being able to articulate my reasons to another person or people may be beyond my grasp.

Answer 6

Freedom of Speech means that the government cannot have you arrested or killed for your talking or writing. Some governments in this world kill or incarcerate anyone who disagrees with them.

However, if you exercise your freedom of speech around regular citizens who don't understand Constitutional Rights, you may find yourself in a harsh and violent situation.

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Answer 7

Well I have to disagree with "babbiigiirll<3". The thing is, you CAN be punished for it.
If you don't say the pledge, because you don't believe the things it says are true... if you try to tell people that Socialism is good in theory, they call you a Communist.
If you try to tell them that Christ was actually born in Spring, if you try to tell them that Wicca is actually a peaceful religion, they call you a Satan-worshipper.

You have a whole school call you a Satan-worshiping Communist, and try to tell me you can't be punished for freedom of speech.

Answer 8

Sometimes a person has to ask himself whether or not an ideal he believes in is worth living for, sacrificing for, or standing up for. If he doesn't believe it is, then he can go on living his life because he really does have other more important priorities.

If the problem interferes with daily life, then the person is going to speak out against it. He won't be afraid to face opposition because he knows that's what he should do.

So I think it's more a problem with priority and how firmly you stand up for what you believe in.

Answer 9

I grew up hearing " give me liberty or death" over and over,
but never thought it had anything to do with me.

If some one speaks and offends will any one defend them in the real world of " ideas"

or will the Majesty have the sway?

Answer 10

"Freedom of speech?" that no longer exists unfortunately.
stupid country