What is "Free Speech"?
Some of you may have noticed the firestorm going on over here regarding "Freedom of Speech". I'm just posting a question for clarification, to see if I'm the one who's nieve about this topic... what, exactly, does "Freedom of Speech" mean? I've always assumed that I was among the majority of people in my views, but it never hurts just to make sure.
To you, does it mean the ability to say what you want, when you want, where you want? I know that that's the view of most on the far left, but I think that's a fairly nieve way of thinking. If that's your veiw, then true "Freedom of Speech" doesn't exist on this good green earth. There are very few places where it does exist in that form, such as various places in Europe... and due to the Islam cartoons, that form of "Freedom of Speech" is being challenged even there.
I've held the view that "Freedom of Speech", as it exists in the mind of most people here in North America, is the freedom to express your views WITHIN REASONABLE LIMITS. Am I the one who's nieve?
Anyway, while we're discussing this, I'd like to ask that you put a limit on your own "Freedom of Speech"... watch the language, or I will delete the comment. (just to clarify) Yes, I am a Christian, and I'd appreciate it if you choose your words with thought when you're in "my house". ;-) Thanks.
On an unrelated matter, congrats to "Ryan", a newcomer to this blog... your comment was #900!
To you, does it mean the ability to say what you want, when you want, where you want? I know that that's the view of most on the far left, but I think that's a fairly nieve way of thinking. If that's your veiw, then true "Freedom of Speech" doesn't exist on this good green earth. There are very few places where it does exist in that form, such as various places in Europe... and due to the Islam cartoons, that form of "Freedom of Speech" is being challenged even there.
I've held the view that "Freedom of Speech", as it exists in the mind of most people here in North America, is the freedom to express your views WITHIN REASONABLE LIMITS. Am I the one who's nieve?
Anyway, while we're discussing this, I'd like to ask that you put a limit on your own "Freedom of Speech"... watch the language, or I will delete the comment. (just to clarify) Yes, I am a Christian, and I'd appreciate it if you choose your words with thought when you're in "my house". ;-) Thanks.
On an unrelated matter, congrats to "Ryan", a newcomer to this blog... your comment was #900!
posted by Christian Conservative @ 9:11 a.m.
7 Comments:
At Mon Mar 27, 09:29:00 a.m. EST,
Guelph First said…
Everyone loves freedom of speech...until someone says something that we personally find offensive.
Freedom of speech is great...however we must display good manners and give a great deal of thought to what we say, how we are saying it, why we are saying it, all before we do say it.
At Mon Mar 27, 09:41:00 a.m. EST,
Christian Conservative said…
THAT's what I've been trying to say for the last week... thanks "Guelph".
At Mon Mar 27, 10:57:00 a.m. EST,
Guelph First said…
In society you must always use good manners in free speech. Free speech without good manners is just plain rudeness. You can't confuse rudeness with free speech, they are very different.
I disagree with much I see/hear/read, but in being criticial of that opinion, I lessen the strength of my argument with rudeness.
Yes rudeness can be the ultimate form of FS, but it will only create barriers, and not foster disscussions.
At Mon Mar 27, 11:18:00 a.m. EST,
Guelph First said…
I understand your point. True no disagreement from me.
At Mon Mar 27, 12:08:00 p.m. EST,
Anonymous said…
Freedom of speech is not analogous with freedom from responsibility. Everyone within a society must exercize their freedoms responsibly.
You have the right to say whatever you wish, but society has the right to impose deterrents on you actually doing this. These deterrents are not necessarily legal (although sometimes they are ie. hatespeech regulations), they may be something as simple as ignoring you, or mocking your position. Everyone considers this before they open their mouths, if they don't we call them fools.
The only place that freedom of speach can be synonymous with freedom from responsibility is in Anarchy, and Anarchy is theoretical its not actually possible to be free from societal reprecussions when there is more that one person involved.
At Mon Mar 27, 02:50:00 p.m. EST,
Unknown said…
If you're saying "everyone has (or should have) freedom of speech as long as..." then you don't really believe in freedom of speech. Replace it with "everyone has (or should have) freedom of religion as long as..."
People are more than welcome to disagree with the concept of freedom of speech, but most try not to because you kind of lose a moral high ground that's associated with defending a freedom.
"Freedom from responsibility" simply doesn't exist, though, and can't. Anyone who thinks it does is kidding themselves. In anarchy there would still be consequences for your actions, they just wouldn't be imposed on you by government.
At Mon Mar 27, 10:20:00 p.m. EST,
OMMAG said…
Freedom to express your thoughts and opinions without reservation.
Responsibility comes when you have to defend what you have said or bear the consequences.
It's the second part that most people can't handle.
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