Why is it that people have no problem with free speech when it is someone making a statement....?
436084
Why do you care?\nYou have the freedom to speak, they have the freedom to protest.\n\nThere is always some idiot, always. Free speech is not even the issue, as all 3 parties in your example have it. The issue is people with flawed arguments are everywhere.\n\nWhy are there people with flawed arguments everywhere?\nBecause of the bell curve, and the distinct lack of logic or critical thinking training.\n\nMany people, even on YA! are barely literate.\n\nDon't ask them to do algebra!\n\nBut they have opinions on everything.
358073
No! For me personally, it is more about the language used to express some ideas. I too have served in the military and stand for freedom of speech.It is not necessary to yell,use foul words,throw things,   destroy people or property to get your point across. Yet all too often we do.Ask why? To be a better listener is a start.
556152
Most liberals I've ever met are diehard free-speech advocates. If you're talking about the "political correctness" movement, it's dying the death it deserves, and it was only embraced by a minority of people, anyway. Most liberals will definitely go to bat for freedom of speech, and not just for causes they believe in. When somebody has to step in and defend the rights of groups like the KKK to speak, it's often a group perceived as "liberal", such as the ACLU.
1034550
You're right, this cloak of anonymity allows a person to overstep their mouth with statements that ordinarily would not be espoused so freely. \nYeah, civility is the key factor which would allow this medium to flourish. Without it, it's less engaging and right-on.\nI'm with you on this.\nSo,\nLet's be mindfully kind with our answers\n...or don't answer at all. \n'Ya know ?\n\nThanks, folks.\nGood Question.\nPeace.
1061237
I wouldn't pay too much attention to those answers. Some people seem to have that "You can't understand" mentality. I think it is because they are SO set in their views, they don't think anyone else has a ability or the intelligence to converse about them. Sometimes it is like the first amendment went away with the rest of what this country was founded on. Dialog is a great thing and I hope you don't loose the inspiration to participate in it.
546098
Why are you trying to impose the belief on me that there is something wrong with the statement the other person made?  It is natural to share opinions.  You just need to accept some and let others go.
218348
No. Having a free society requires us to occasionally put up with the fact that other people who have repugnant opinions are just as entitled to speak their mind as we are. What we don't have to do is take the repugnance itself lying down. It's fine to challenege someone's "stupid racist remarks" whenever they're made, whether "on TV" or elsewhere, and we/you should whenever we see it. Free speech is not the problem, letting racists go unchallenged is.
66256
Its a social experiment thats still being worked out.  There are ongoing problems, like when does freedom of speech become libel?\n\nIts not perfect, but works reasonably well in the western world compared to other systems.  There is accountability.  There is representation. We can't be held without charge, we can't be convicted without trial.
978662
I agree with you, people are too sensitive and tend to misunderstand the intent of what is said. If it is not a misunderstanding, they just asked for the truth, got it, and complained. People should not ask for the truth if they do not really want to hear it.
819691
I am a conservative Republican and I absolutely believe that we have a First Amendment Right to burn the U.S. Flag.  "I may not agree with a word that you are saying, I but I would defend, to the death, your right to say it."    No law abridging "freedom of speech".  First you have to ask what "speech" is.  If you think that speech only means "the spoken and written word", then fine, that's it.  The real question becomes, how far should the government be able to go to control your message coming across?  Hey, the internet and this Board aren't mentioned.  What is stopping the Government from shutting this site down.  Typing this stupid debate is not "speech" right?  P.S. chicks are allowed to dance nude BECAUSE of the liberal interpretation of "free speech", so don't rock the boat!
439889
Racists are just like every other politically active group.  If an opportunity is presented which seems to lend their views credence they will seize that opportunity.  I personally am glad when they spout off their views in public.  The best part of freedom of speech is we get to identify the morons in our society before they can cause real damage.
647908
People should be free to talk about whatever, wherever without any fear of recrimination. Why should you keep politics behind closed doors?  YOu don't just accept what is thrown to you if you don't agree. Its called a democracy, and that is what freedom of speech is all about. Unfortunately radio stations & TV are mostly still controlled by Government, meaning that yes, radio stations are not free to play whatever they like. And that is what the Dixie Chicks are ranting about, the fact that radio stations are NOT free to play whatever they like.
1043197
There is no such thing as free speech. Freedom is an illusion.
863426
Not a damn thing,freedom of speech.......
235534
You have the freedom of speech, as guarenteed in the first amendment to the Constitution.  However, freedom of speech is not freedom to yell "fire" in a crowded theatre.  Your freedoms cease when they become harmful to another.\n\nCensorship walks that fine line.  Where does your freedom begin to harm others?  Maybe when you use the F-word in an open forum, where kids as young as 8 can easily read them?  Maybe talking about sexual relations, where the same 8 year old may believe every word you say...whether or not you (1) know what you are talking about or (2) are kidding?\n\nYou have the freedom, and inherent to that freedom is the duty to use it responsibility.  If you fail in that, the freedom is taken away.
94706
We have freedom of speech. We can say what we think but we also understand that others also have that right. If we reacted with violence every time we were offended, society would turn to chaos. With freedom comes the responsibility of respecting other peoples freedom.
1120324
As a conservative, I have to disagree. Liberals know all to well what free speech is. Haven't you noticed that they never shut the frig up?