Is Europe for free speech or not?
81730
Europe says it is, but practically it is not. UK has a strong censorship, so do Austria and Germany. In these countries many journalists have been sent to jail for things they've said or published (Irving is only the latest issue). Italy and Belgium too have laws that frown upon certain subject that can be released in the media, while in other countries (although there's no law) various coercions are imposed on the press by means of media trusts (media trusts owners are subjected to heavy pressure to allow or dissalow publication of articles on certain issues).\nThe US goes against free speech too (the number of jailed press members imprisoned for articles related to the US invasion of Iraq or US violations of human right isn't exately small).
177505
We don't have freedom of expression.  We have free speech.  We have laws to protect this right, and laws against the things you mentioned.  The only thing missing is ethics on the part of the public.  Remember the quote:\n\n‘When bad men combine, the good must associate; else they will fall one by one, an unpitied sacrifice in a contemptible struggle.’ \n\nThat quote from Edmund Burke in ‘Thoughts on the Cause of Present Discontents’ has, in general use, come to be delivered as, ‘The only thing necessary for the triumph of evil is for good men to do nothing.’ \n\nWhich ever version you prefer, the message is the same: evil will, therefore good must.\n\nPeople too often remain silent, then wonder why "Government", as if it some outside agency, does not control their lives more.  Look to your own lives and ask, "Have I been more present and active in protecting our institutions of free speech, journalism, publishing, and other media?"\n\nThat is the only way it will change, not further legislation and government paper and ink.
533283
All of Europe is very close to becoming a totalitarian islamic state.  Britain is on this path but nowhere near as close as France, Germany, Belgium etc.  Europe is too busy worrying about the genocide that they are about to become victims of, to laugh at anybody, particularly, relatively safe, Britain.
218222
Yes.  That's freedom of speech.  You know, like a bunch of scumballs standing around screaming "Death to America?"  You may not like what people say or publish, but they have the right to do it.  You have the right to ignore it if you wish.  So, if something someone says or publishes offends you, don't watch or read it.  It's so simple, isn't it?  After all, it's not as if they are putting a gun to your head (or threatening to kidnap and behead you) is it?\n\nNo, I would not have published the cartoons, because I do respect others' religious views.  Also, because the peace loving, respectful Muslims of this world choose to commit violence and murder over a silly cartoon.  Ask them how they feel about Jews sometime to get their views of what respect for another's religion is really all about.  It's THEIR religion that all of this respect is limited to.  If they had their way, all Jews would be killed.  In the West, we call this hypocrisy.  In their world, I guess it's called respect.
1078656
Absolutely. We do live in country that supports both free speech and freedom of religion. Being so, each religion is going to get bashed once in a while, even Christianity. But that's America. Land of the free. Atheists can say what they want, as long they aren't encouraging violent acts on people, and the same goes to theists to. I mean the KKK has their own website. There isn't much we can do about the promotion of hate. It's going to happen. The least people could do is ignore the message, but pay attention to the words. Again, I will say it:\n\nAS LONG AS A PERSON IS NOT INCITING VIOLENT ACTS, THEY ARE FULLY PROTECTED UNDER THE CONSTITUTION OF THE UNITED STATES.
363380
Even freedom of speech has its limits in to days world.\nFreedom of Expression has virtually disappeared.
593554
No, I dont think you are wrong to be bothered.  At the very least, its extremely insensitive, at most, he is likely an American-hating person that is likely just at Yahoo Answers to bait Americans.  If he's American (or a number of other nationalities) he has the right to free speech though- but you also have the righr of free speech, which means you are more than welcome to mention your anger over his free speech.
619072
Absolutely!  While we're at it, lets ban all forms of debate.  That free speech can be a dangerous thing so we better ban that too.  I know a few dangerous books that I would like to ban and I'm sure you'll agree that it would be for the good of us all.  Oh there's so much evil in the world I don't know where to start.
808004
Looks like it is still suspended, but you can follow this link for an inferior look at some of other european news making the headlines here\n\nhttp://www.ejc.nl/medianews.asp
280315
i am a pro... freedom of expression that offends others can be done but behind closed doors... the government is restricting certain expressions as there are possiblities that it may offend others around the world and this may have serious consequenses...
873498
Anything inciting a riot, disruption of peace, and anything involving a conspiracy to incite, or act, with depraved indifference from this speechs consequence, including the possibility TOWARDS a crime being commited from this right (free speech, as it was intended for), in my opinion, is not free speech.
277002
Absolutely.  It's freedom of speech.  Its the first ammendment of the constitution.(Bill of rights section)
765365
Yes,it does,and its set to get worse!!! Funny,I do not recall asking the EU for anything,but looks like I'm going to get it!!!\nMay 2006.\nThe EU Commision Citizen's Agenda\nThe Commission has published a Communication to the European Council with the title "A Citizen's Agenda - Delivering Results for Europe".\nThat Communication speaks for Europe's citizens. It says that citizens want this or that.\nHowever, the Commission has no mandate to speak for Europe's citizens. Nor are the far-fetched assertions in the Communication backed up by any polling data.\nThe last time citizens had an opportunity to speak for themselves, they made it clear in the French and Dutch Constitution referendums that they are not interested in even more European unification. The Commission should listen to the citizens, instead of making up statements of "what citizens want".\n\n*******The Communication that citizens want more EU activity in the field of Freedom, Security and Justice. The Commission wants to abolish current requirements of unanimity and give European legislators a blank check to meddle in Member States' criminal law with majority decisions.***********
180919
The line is drawn between free speech and hate speech.\nThis is a theory developed by freedom of expression supporters which is ment to define what goes and what doesn't.\n\nDefinition varies and many disagree on what goes where (eg: most people would see the Holocaust matter brought under free speech, on certain conditions, while others still want to keep the taboo).\n\nGenerally speaking, free speech embraces things that aren't particulartly aimed at hurting or insulting others and are supported by accepted arguments, facts and proof.\nOn the other hand hate speech are opinions gratuituously spilled just to provoke and insult.\n\nThis doesn't help much and the debate goes on.\nStill most people see the cartoon deal under hate speech because it's not sustainable by arguments (there are many ways to make fun of Islam without resorting to attacking religious principles of non-graphical depiction).\n\nA more fierce debate goes around the Holocaust, where free-speech supporters say that discussions around the events and the number of victims should be allowed and proof needs to be gathered to support supporters and deniers (if the supporters are right, why do they need a law to hide behind if they have strong arguments).
799940
It's just a game support the ruler no matter how violently out of control he gets and if you don't you're a traitor/ unpatrioitic.\n\nOf course in the US, so called land of the free (haha excuse me while I collapse in hysterical fits of laughter) you're supposed to have freedom of speech but I think Bush is doing a pretty good job of abolishing that supported by his red necks who will still be waving flags when he locks them all up for 9 o'clock curfew.
904267
In Britain we do not have a 'bill of rights' but we are given 'free speech'......well that is if you're an immigrant.....as for the rest of us....we just have to grin and bear it....oh what a joy to live in a dictatorship dressed up in 'democratic clothes'!!
468731
Free speech is a right. It has limits. You cannot threaten people. But if you believe they are wrong or sinning, they do not have a right to not be offended, as you are neither threatening them or harming them in any way.\n\nYou cannot punish peoples' thoughts and still be a free nation. \n\nYou have no right to deny others' speech merely because you don't like it. It is not harassment. You are equally free to ignore them or refute them. But if you curtail their rights by bringing government force against them, we've all lost.\n\nThat is a path that leads to oppression of all people.