Is it really possible to enjoy free speech today?

Question

Well of course there is definitely more opportunity to express ourselves (and freely too) today than before. With this pro-democracy ideology spreading like wild fire everywhere. I guess the Internet is a huge factor, because it's difficult to monitor everything and also the convenience and anonymity enjoyed. This yahoo answers thing is one great example of how we all can express our opinions in so many different topics. But is it really 'free' speech? One person exercising his right to free speech may (and usually does) infringe on someone else's opinion/culture/beliefs etc. So how 'free' are we really?

Answer 1

The free speech issue does not apply to Y! Answers. The US government has to allow free speech to all of it's citizens.

Y! A is private enterprise. It has no such obligation.

Answer 2

Freedom of speech can only be "enjoyed" only within certain limits. Are you in the military, forget about writing your congressman unless you want repercussions. That goes for your spouse too. If you or your spouse works for a local government utility forget about writing about your gripes because then promotions for the employed spouse and job security are shaky. You may not shout out accusations against someone that are not proven and possibly harmful to another such as slander/libel. I guess it boils down to know what you're talking about and use some common sense.

Answer 3

Yes It is if you ignore the people who just babel at the mouth to here themselves speak.

I think this sumes up free speach:

"Criticism is necessary and useful; it is often indispensable; but it can never take the place of action, or be even a poor substitute for it. The function of the mere critic is of very subordinate usefulness. It is the doer of deeds who actually counts in the battle for life, and not the man who looks on and says how the fight ought to be fought, without himself sharing the stress and the danger."

Answer 4

People often confuse Free Speech with the right to be free from criticism for what they've said. People are free to say whatever they want here, within certain reasonable bounds, and others are just as free to disagree, criticize and generally offend one another.

Answer 5

now no longer advantageous what you propose. There are absolutely extra proper loose international places in which freedom of religion and prepare and speech is really plenty. yet evaluate the placement lots of the persons contained interior the international stay: now no longer the West, in spite of the actual incontrovertible truth that the East. China, Russian, and distinct places, that are absolutely now no longer precisely loose contained interior the experience of "u . s . a . freedom." analyze link for suggestion. in spite of the actual incontrovertible truth that, in case you imagine about the volume of slaves there have been contained interior the previous.. and the volume of human beings were contained interior the previous, there are a variety of of extra proper human beings at present. And hence, there are in all probability really as many, if no extra proper, slaves contained interior the international at present as there change into contained interior the previous. by utilizing slaves... everywhere from forced no longer worry-free paintings to sex slaves.

Answer 6

We are free to say what we wish. Until and unless we become a problem. Then, we get squashed. Nothing matters except power. Always been that way, always will.

Answer 7

Just because you have free speech does mean that anyone has to take you seriously.

Answer 8

No! Shut up!