General Discussion

DemocratSinceBirth

(101,842 posts)

325. The Point Flew Right Over Your Head If You Followed The Discussion Within The Discussion

Mon Sep 17, 2012, 01:24 PM

Sep 2012

Making fun of someone's religious garb could be construed as hateful as well as puerile and a lot of other adjectives but, imho, the First Amendment protects hateful as well as puerile speech.

on edit- I need to elaborate because this point is important to me. If I'm in a conversation and a person starts disrespecting someone over an immutable or virtually immutable characteristic I am either going to call that person out on the spot, depending on the danger to myself, but I will never have anything to do with that person again. However I would defend his or her right to say it.

If you read this thread closely the disturbing theme is that "we" can use new hate speech laws as a hammer on our enemies when it can just as well be turned around as a hammer on "us"... Someone's sacred cow is somebody else's hamburger.

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Our Freedom of Expression Is Killing Us [View all] Jessy169 Sep 2012 OP

du rec. Nt xchrom Sep 2012 #1

kr Robyn66 Sep 2012 #297

Alrighty then! How about a constitutional amendment repealing the 1st amendment. Hey Jude Sep 2012 #2

Let him or her go ahead and try to sell the repeal of the First Amendment to We the People. Zalatix Sep 2012 #7

You did not read and comprehend Jessy169 Sep 2012 #22

ROTFLMAO!!! You're living in denial. A re-do is a repeal. Zalatix Sep 2012 #72

Will membership on the peoples' committee that subjectively determines "truth", Riftaxe Sep 2012 #84

That's the way that it is done now & the reason is, in part, because it is assumed patrice Sep 2012 #92

Has nothing to do with the 1st A., and everything to do with slander, libel, and counter-points. WinkyDink Sep 2012 #172

Why stop at the 1st Amendment? There are lots of the COLGATE4 Sep 2012 #17

Just talking about limiting free speech to NOT include hate, lies Jessy169 Sep 2012 #25

I support the right to free unfettered speech, unequivocally. COLGATE4 Sep 2012 #32

Really. So it's okay that those with a voice constantly lie? Zoeisright Sep 2012 #63

What Is The Mechanism You Would Use To Remove FAUX Noise From The Air? DemocratSinceBirth Sep 2012 #69

This message was self-deleted by its author COLGATE4 Sep 2012 #76

It's their right as U.S. citizens. In fact, courts have held COLGATE4 Sep 2012 #102

Problem is that the only real way of countering the message is money Jkid Sep 2012 #282

I think you're absolutely correct. That's why COLGATE4 Sep 2012 #320

Yes- Freedom of speech especially protect speech you do not like Marrah_G Sep 2012 #322

Faux is the price we pay for living in a Democracy COLGATE4 Sep 2012 #332

How good is the concept of more speech if you have to pay for it. Jkid Sep 2012 #280

It's tough. But why can't we hit up donors like COLGATE4 Sep 2012 #321

Your 'lie' might be another's 'truth' B2G Sep 2012 #33

Exactly! MNBrewer Sep 2012 #39

You are looking at an armed rebellion that the WORLD will regret Zalatix Sep 2012 #87

you have been lied to Whisp Sep 2012 #123

If you want a dictatorship so much, then why not move? Zalatix Sep 2012 #196

I was in the lucky sperm club and born Canadian. Whisp Sep 2012 #208

Well, goody for you! Zalatix Sep 2012 #216

you are making yourself look very foolish! Whisp Sep 2012 #246

You're also making yourself look like an anti-American bigot. Zalatix Sep 2012 #248

you have a nice day too! Whisp Sep 2012 #253

You can crow all day about how superior you think you are. Zalatix Sep 2012 #254

:) Yes, you got it. ''America's freedoms bother me'' Whisp Sep 2012 #258

Your "lucky sperm club" comment constitutes hate speech under Canadian law. Zalatix Sep 2012 #262

no it doesn't and you are now just being silly Whisp Sep 2012 #264

Your "lucky sperm club" comment kicked off the silly hour. Zalatix Sep 2012 #265

Not sure why that bothers you so much. Whisp Sep 2012 #266

Not sure why America's freedoms bother you so much. Zalatix Sep 2012 #267

I like your President a lot Whisp Sep 2012 #269

I don't know why our freedoms bother you. Zalatix Sep 2012 #270

you have less freedoms than I do Whisp Sep 2012 #271

Okay so we let crazy people speak here without being sent to jail. Zalatix Sep 2012 #272

Why is it that the US is so different from most of the rest of western countries? Whisp Sep 2012 #274

But why does our freedom of speech bother you? After all, you're so superior! Zalatix Sep 2012 #275

it bothers me because it doesn't make sense Whisp Sep 2012 #277

It doesn't make sense to YOU. Zalatix Sep 2012 #316

Here is the problem DonCoquixote Sep 2012 #116

Yes, I do support the right to lie and I do support the right to speak hatefully. NYC Liberal Sep 2012 #143

Mass media must be responsible for truth and common sense and the individual must not incite to The Wielding Truth Sep 2012 #155

Actually I would point out that you would have to get rid of nadinbrzezinski Sep 2012 #273

I brought this exact point up the last time this crap happened and was nearly run off the boards. Initech Sep 2012 #186

And how do you define "hate," "lies"? JDPriestly Sep 2012 #231

That's a false choice jberryhill Sep 2012 #21

But Prohibiting "Hate Speech" Is Of A Whole Different Order DemocratSinceBirth Sep 2012 #26

Simple assault jberryhill Sep 2012 #49

It Still Come Down To What Speech Is Verboten And What Speech Isn't DemocratSinceBirth Sep 2012 #52

Absolutely jberryhill Sep 2012 #77

Please Read The Thread DemocratSinceBirth Sep 2012 #90

No he didn't Jessy169 Sep 2012 #121

Where's The Proof That Ann Coulter Is A Slut? DemocratSinceBirth Sep 2012 #126

+1 nt BarackTheVote Sep 2012 #79

Thanks jberryhill for your fabulous critique! Jessy169 Sep 2012 #118

It all depends on the details jberryhill Sep 2012 #80

Hmm tama Sep 2012 #133

More pro-censorship shit. Odin2005 Sep 2012 #3

Sounds like you support Glen Beck, Fox News and Rush Limbaugh Jessy169 Sep 2012 #16

I Support Their Right To Free Speech As I Support Your Free Speech And Mine DemocratSinceBirth Sep 2012 #23

Who decides what's acceptable? Mz Pip Sep 2012 #35

^.^ This justiceischeap Sep 2012 #234

I support Glen Beck, Fox News, and Rush Limbaugh. The KKK too. Xithras Sep 2012 #54

Exactly Major Nikon Sep 2012 #142

Another card carrying member here. Dash87 Sep 2012 #255

False dichotomy fail Major Nikon Sep 2012 #140

Who decides what is propaganda or not? Odin2005 Sep 2012 #191

Whoever is in charge Dash87 Sep 2012 #256

Is that your idea of a conversation? jberryhill Sep 2012 #24

Post removed Post removed Sep 2012 #122

What the hell do you NOT grasp about the First Amendment? it is NOT up for repeal, FGS. WinkyDink Sep 2012 #177

Spam deleted by Hassin Bin Sober (MIR Team) kolayamilya Sep 2012 #4

If mocking religion was a criminal offense, DU would be a different place. Nye Bevan Sep 2012 #5

In England, Canada and Germany people are free to mock magic underwear Jessy169 Sep 2012 #10

How Is Not Hateful To Make Fun Of Garb That Is Required By A Certain Religion? DemocratSinceBirth Sep 2012 #14

OFGS. Are you American? Because, seriously, dude. WinkyDink Sep 2012 #178

What's Your Point? DemocratSinceBirth Sep 2012 #181

Wait, what? Marrah_G Sep 2012 #323

The Point Flew Right Over Your Head If You Followed The Discussion Within The Discussion DemocratSinceBirth Sep 2012 #325

You totally lost me Marrah_G Sep 2012 #329

You could be arrested and tried. Nye Bevan Sep 2012 #15

I have rarely, indeed never, been arrested for mocking religion here. Posteritatis Sep 2012 #20

Where is "here"? (nt) Nye Bevan Sep 2012 #27

One of the countries where you think I'd be arrested and tried. (nt) Posteritatis Sep 2012 #38

It's pretty smart of you to choose to post on a US website, instead of one based in your country. Nye Bevan Sep 2012 #62

LMFAO laundry_queen Sep 2012 #202

Ah, it's Canada. With its notorious Canadian Human Rights Tribunals. Nye Bevan Sep 2012 #203

We on DU have our own self-inflicted kangaroo court, I suppose. JDPriestly Sep 2012 #236

Also, people who post unacceptable stuff on this board don't go to prison. Nye Bevan Sep 2012 #237

Do you mean, Posteritatis, that you live in a country in which the JDPriestly Sep 2012 #232

You interpreted that in the exact opposite manner that I expressed it. Well done! (nt) Posteritatis Sep 2012 #249

rarely arrested -- Good heavens. JDPriestly Sep 2012 #235

Christ on a crutch, people here need to learn what sarcasm is. (nt) Posteritatis Sep 2012 #250

I have no sympathy for these men MNBrewer Sep 2012 #43

Again, what about Christianity? Bluefin Tuna Sep 2012 #104

OR what about this? MNBrewer Sep 2012 #110

No thanks. former9thward Sep 2012 #6

I Think Some Of Our Guys Said Some Pretty Hateful Things About Right Wing Figures DemocratSinceBirth Sep 2012 #8

Were they true statements -- then, ok Jessy169 Sep 2012 #11

Ed Schultz Called Laura Ingraham A "Right Wing Slut" DemocratSinceBirth Sep 2012 #18

To be determined Jessy169 Sep 2012 #31

What Proof Do You Have That Ann Coulter Is A Slut? DemocratSinceBirth Sep 2012 #42

really, dear? you KNOW that Ann Coulter is a "slut". cali Sep 2012 #111

Except, Cali, I didn't really say what "I would ban", did I Jessy169 Sep 2012 #124

That's The Whole Problem With Abridging Freedom Of Speech DemocratSinceBirth Sep 2012 #131

Exactly!!! And I've called Romney and the Repbs WORSE!!! liberallibral Sep 2012 #53

So we would constantly be in court proving statements Union Scribe Sep 2012 #165

The main issue is the lines between words, incitement, and actual actions Posteritatis Sep 2012 #9

Totally agree Jessy169 Sep 2012 #13

Good for you Herlong Sep 2012 #12

No thanks. I'll choose freedom of speech over religious mob appeasement rollin74 Sep 2012 #19

No thank you. longship Sep 2012 #28

The likes of Limbaugh could be fixed with better radio licensing laws and Waiting For Everyman Sep 2012 #29

I agree, but Jessy169 Sep 2012 #34

It's The First Amendment To The Constitution. DemocratSinceBirth Sep 2012 #45

No offense intended, but you really should inform yourself a bit better for this argument. Vinnie From Indy Sep 2012 #65

This message was self-deleted by its author Vinnie From Indy Sep 2012 #66

Let me guess -- you're a lawyer Jessy169 Sep 2012 #134

You don't need to be a lawyer. Jim Lane Sep 2012 #224

Well said, Jim Lane. JDPriestly Sep 2012 #239

K&R. Well done. COLGATE4 Sep 2012 #333

Before you make this sort of OP kiva Sep 2012 #107

I'll agree with you on licensing laws malokvale77 Sep 2012 #162

Totally agree, and you may have hit on THE solution Jessy169 Sep 2012 #164

Thank you malokvale77 Sep 2012 #170

First of all, you have demonstrated poor knowledge of world media, MadHound Sep 2012 #30

Fox News is available in other countries Jessy169 Sep 2012 #44

Again, you are demonstrating your ignorance of Fox and its worldwide reach MadHound Sep 2012 #112

But you're obscuring the main point and playing gotcha Jessy169 Sep 2012 #136

It does NOT include the 'freedom to incite riot.' elleng Sep 2012 #36

Yes, it does Jessy169 Sep 2012 #141

freedom of speech is stupid BOG PERSON Sep 2012 #37

Who's Freedom? DemocratSinceBirth Sep 2012 #47

in the main, freedom for perverts and douchebags BOG PERSON Sep 2012 #64

They don't in authoritarian societies either. Dash87 Sep 2012 #261

and they're usually right, too BOG PERSON Sep 2012 #268

Would you want to leave it up to a Republican Congress SickOfTheOnePct Sep 2012 #299

You just criticized one of our government's founding documents. Dash87 Sep 2012 #260

Actually incitement to a riot is penalized under law nadinbrzezinski Sep 2012 #40

Is that only in Montana, or is that Federal law too? Jessy169 Sep 2012 #144

Here is one of the U.S. Code in question nadinbrzezinski Sep 2012 #200

I doubt that that section would apply to the anti-Muslim film. Jim Lane Sep 2012 #225

I agree with you, Jim Lane. JDPriestly Sep 2012 #241

Alas, at least to me this is about LIMITS TO FREE SPEECH nadinbrzezinski Sep 2012 #244

That movie insults a religion, but I have not heard that it incites to riot. JDPriestly Sep 2012 #240

There are complications nadinbrzezinski Sep 2012 #245

To say that you were 'wildly' misunderstood xchrom Sep 2012 #41

Who Gets To Judge? DemocratSinceBirth Sep 2012 #48

This isn't the Great Unknown. xchrom Sep 2012 #74

+1 & I resist the assumption that we are incapable of doing that reasonably so we must'nt do it in patrice Sep 2012 #78

What Infringements On Free Speech Beside Those Established By Case Law Would You Be Comfortable With DemocratSinceBirth Sep 2012 #85

I'd like to see those "established by case law" more widely considered, relative to new technologies patrice Sep 2012 #99

Nicely said. 99Forever Sep 2012 #113

Paternalism. "People are bad. They are dumb, so they can't grow. Everything should be defined or not patrice Sep 2012 #117

Oh, REALLY? You mean like the UK, that censors articles about the royals because they'd be offended? WinkyDink Sep 2012 #175

Thank you xchrom! Jessy169 Sep 2012 #129

Careful now... Cause I'm a Left Wing Loonie. xchrom Sep 2012 #153

I'm a left-wing loonie too -- I use the term lovingly Jessy169 Sep 2012 #156

I'd worry more about the deliberate misinterpretation of the 2A going on. Loudly Sep 2012 #46

We've tryed this before Progressive dog Sep 2012 #50

And it led to the first Slander and Libel laws, some of which are still in the books nadinbrzezinski Sep 2012 #56

No one is defending lying about others as free speech Progressive dog Sep 2012 #67

I am familiar with the history nadinbrzezinski Sep 2012 #75

Not quite Jessy169 Sep 2012 #132

That is ok, and welcome to the club nadinbrzezinski Sep 2012 #201

Sorry, but I'm willing to die for our freedom of expression... liberallibral Sep 2012 #51

Then maybe you should ... frazzled Sep 2012 #71

How about we stay right here in America Zalatix Sep 2012 #82

Is posting something on YouTube a right? frazzled Sep 2012 #115

Youtube refused to take it down. So there. Zalatix Sep 2012 #195

No, that is a corporation nadinbrzezinski Sep 2012 #207

Yep, I'll fight and even DIE for those I disgree with, such as Glen Beck, etc.... liberallibral Sep 2012 #95

So when they riot because the US allows gay marriage hack89 Sep 2012 #138

bingo this seems to be were its all going loli phabay Sep 2012 #188

LOL! Vinnie From Indy Sep 2012 #55

Like any ideology, an absolute formulated as "We need more speech, not less" seems to be based patrice Sep 2012 #57

"assert one's own biases, i.e. fascism in one degree or another" BOG PERSON Sep 2012 #98

The will to power is fundamental to survival. It's agendas, more but usually way less, honestly patrice Sep 2012 #106

Here is the problem DonCoquixote Sep 2012 #279

Perhaps you could be the first cabinet head of the Ministry of Truth. MineralMan Sep 2012 #58

Imagine DU If That Law Was On The Books During The Bush* Administration DemocratSinceBirth Sep 2012 #59

You know, you could always move to Iran. name not needed Sep 2012 #60

Thanks for your contribution Jessy169 Sep 2012 #145

Fits quite nicely with the OP. WinkyDink Sep 2012 #176

Under your proposed limits to our rights, I assume you would allow preachers Bluenorthwest Sep 2012 #61

??? OP seems VERY much to be saying the opposite of what you think: patrice Sep 2012 #73

I note the OP refuses to respond, and no patrice the OP does not at all address Bluenorthwest Sep 2012 #139

I'm not sure I understand how you get that from OP. Maybe one thing we could talk about would patrice Sep 2012 #159

OP is very much saying the opposite of what Bluenorthwest is saying Jessy169 Sep 2012 #147

Well why not simply respond to the questions you are being asked? Bluenorthwest Sep 2012 #154

Responding Jessy169 Sep 2012 #167

You did not reply to a single question I asked you, nor to any point I raised. Bluenorthwest Sep 2012 #197

James Holmes Was Set Off Because Of The Batman Franchise DemocratSinceBirth Sep 2012 #211

Wrong. Other peoples in other places reaction to our Freedom of expression is. hobbit709 Sep 2012 #68

Would this bit of unvarnished mockery of religion be unacceptable in your new country? Vinnie From Indy Sep 2012 #70

Would you care if you were the subject of that mockery? What if that mockery progressed to patrice Sep 2012 #86

We Have Laws On The Book That Ban Discrimination On The Basis Of Race, Religion, And National Origin DemocratSinceBirth Sep 2012 #96

You and I probably differ on that point of "curtail". I think it is possible to say almost anything patrice Sep 2012 #114

No, the solution is always more speech treestar Sep 2012 #81

Blame the victim? How about blaming the troglodytes who think killing is O.K.? nt Speck Tater Sep 2012 #83

Canadian or UK style restrictions would not preclude the filming or posting of Innocence of Muslims tifanyhunter Sep 2012 #88

Not a good idea lunatica Sep 2012 #89

Is it time to burn our RR, blues, hiphop and rap records yet? L0oniX Sep 2012 #91

excellent. Whisp Sep 2012 #93

What Would Have Happened If Attorney General Ashcroft Had The Power Of Those Laws Behind Him? DemocratSinceBirth Sep 2012 #101

Exactly. Bluefin Tuna Sep 2012 #103

I'm not sure exactly but Whisp Sep 2012 #120

Limbaugh Didn't Invent Nutters DemocratSinceBirth Sep 2012 #137

If Rush Limbaugh and Glenn Beck are the price for the freedom to speak freely, NYC Liberal Sep 2012 #148

then explain why the US is in such a sorry state compared to others. Whisp Sep 2012 #212

You think all things are equal, except for that? NYC Liberal Sep 2012 #263

Totally agree, Whisp Jessy169 Sep 2012 #151

the herd is fattened, and now we see the the powerful feed on them. Whisp Sep 2012 #158

Some would argue that our freedom of expression silvershadow Sep 2012 #94

Defining what constitutes "hate speech" would be a nightmarish, never-ending debate. Bluefin Tuna Sep 2012 #97

This is a completely misguided approach abumbyanyothername Sep 2012 #100

Hate speech laws are tempting M_M Sep 2012 #105

codswallop. cali Sep 2012 #108

I don't think so. ProSense Sep 2012 #109

FAIL. Religious nut jobs are killing us and you're trying to further empower them. trouble.smith Sep 2012 #119

Nope. abumbyanyothername Sep 2012 #166

religious zealots do stupid things for stupid reasons trouble.smith Sep 2012 #193

Uh, card carrying ACLU member here Warpy Sep 2012 #125

But what about the right of those people not to be killed? Why is that less of a right than patrice Sep 2012 #135

Manson said he was told to kill by the Bible and the Beatles. Son of Sam said a dog Bluenorthwest Sep 2012 #149

I operate on the basic assumptions of rational empiricism, which include the fact that patrice Sep 2012 #163

Please try to demonstrate cause and effect in this situation. MNBrewer Sep 2012 #183

I was responding to a post saying that Manson and Son of Sam claimed cause and effect in their cases patrice Sep 2012 #187

Keep up instead of just spouting. David Berkowitz recanted that claim long ago. WinkyDink Sep 2012 #290

I was speaking hypothetically in response to a claim made by someone else. And, if you'll patrice Sep 2012 #301

You do understand that the rational methods to which I refer only yield possibilities? patrice Sep 2012 #303

The hateful crap will always be with us in one form or another Warpy Sep 2012 #179

Take it up with the violent thugs. Oh, I forgot; they're "sensitive." WinkyDink Sep 2012 #289

Yeah, drug dealers have no part in the crimes committed for whatever high they propagate. nt patrice Sep 2012 #305

Are some people born certain ways that limit their choices or not? nt patrice Sep 2012 #306

Nope. Sorry. We let the courts decide when speech has gone so far as to actually harm someone. kestrel91316 Sep 2012 #127

The religious RW in this country would like nothing more than to limit free speech. n/t cynatnite Sep 2012 #128

People are always offended by new truths Yo_Mama Sep 2012 #130

But freedom is not served by what we are doing. Regressive feedback loops get going and patrice Sep 2012 #146

The point of allowing people to speak freely Yo_Mama Sep 2012 #169

WHO will be the arbiter? You? Me? Oh, wait; it would be THE US SUPREME COURT, TYVM. WinkyDink Sep 2012 #174

You assume that the only effective forms of control are external and, hence, hierarchical patrice Sep 2012 #189

What? I'm SAYING that the US Supreme Court has ruled against the OP's restrictive concept. WinkyDink Sep 2012 #288

Why is it that so many people who are allegedly so interested in freedom almost never think in any patrice Sep 2012 #308

You have an interesting defintion of "freedom." And of "free." WinkyDink Sep 2012 #291

Do you dispute that the post to which you are responding describes pretty much what is going on patrice Sep 2012 #298

Are you implying that the mere fact that some -one/thing expresses something because s/he/they WANT patrice Sep 2012 #300

If we're going to limit free speech, let's start with the people who want to get rid of it... Comrade_McKenzie Sep 2012 #150

Amen. Yo_Mama_Been_Loggin Sep 2012 #168

I'm Actually More Concerned About An Expansive Construction Of The Second Amendment DemocratSinceBirth Sep 2012 #152

Then you'd be better served leaving the 2nd alone... eqfan592 Sep 2012 #157

We do not have to change the First Amendment. RoccoR5955 Sep 2012 #160

Free expression is not the problem. Scootaloo Sep 2012 #161

Take it up with the Supreme Court. WinkyDink Sep 2012 #173

Sure thing! Scootaloo Sep 2012 #180

Oh, haHA! At least these men are more apt to protect speech than YOU, apparently. WinkyDink Sep 2012 #184

At the expense of others, of course. Just like you. Scootaloo Sep 2012 #210

You are, alas, completely illogical. To equate rape with speech is, in a word, STUPID. WinkyDink Sep 2012 #286

Just Out Of Curiosity Did You Support Or Oppose The Supreme Court's Flag Burning Decision? DemocratSinceBirth Sep 2012 #185

"Beyond what case law proscribes," you say? Scootaloo Sep 2012 #209

Where Did I Suggest DemocratSinceBirth Sep 2012 #217

In your response to my post Scootaloo Sep 2012 #218

And I Established That To Some Burning That Cloth Is "Heaping Abuse On Them" DemocratSinceBirth Sep 2012 #220

And you seem to accept their argument wholly. Scootaloo Sep 2012 #221

Straight White Male DemocratSinceBirth Sep 2012 #222

It may very well be abuse, but outside of specific venues (e.g., schools), "verbal abuse", if not a WinkyDink Sep 2012 #293

If burning a cloth is OK, then what about burning some paper, like a Koran? nt kelly1mm Sep 2012 #223

Free speech also protected Confusious Sep 2012 #233

Disgusting and risible at the same time. JUST WHOM DO YOU NOMINATE to "RE-DO" our Freedom of Speech? WinkyDink Sep 2012 #171

No, it's not. Iggo Sep 2012 #182

What a crock. Warren DeMontague Sep 2012 #190

We have always had to put up with crap to have our right to free speech. Jennicut Sep 2012 #192

To everyone reviling OP in this thread, do you consider Citizens United free speech? Why not? patrice Sep 2012 #194

Free speech applies to people Confusious Sep 2012 #238

The ACLU defends Citizens' United. patrice Sep 2012 #251

So my next point is Confusious Sep 2012 #287

I believe the ACLU discusses modification of the Constitution for this & is against it. nt patrice Sep 2012 #304

Well, I'll have to disagree with them about it. Confusious Sep 2012 #318

If you think our freedom of expression is killing us - lynne Sep 2012 #198

And the ONLY reason you were able to post this NashvilleLefty Sep 2012 #199

You can add all "bad" speech to the Patriot Act. hack89 Sep 2012 #204

^^^This.^^^ nt msanthrope Sep 2012 #206

Oh, snap. Quantess Sep 2012 #226

Nope, can't get behind this. JoeyT Sep 2012 #205

Do you think that simply muting people will make them go away? Bluefin Tuna Sep 2012 #213

What is "offensive" is entirely in the ears of the beholder. Bluefin Tuna Sep 2012 #214

US freedom of speech MellowDem Sep 2012 #215

You and the 22 who have so far rec'd this thread may support appeasing the fundies SpartanDem Sep 2012 #219

I disagree with all three foreign laws you mention. Citizens United is a different matter. Jim Lane Sep 2012 #227

There are people all over the world fighting for free speech sitting in a jail cell davidn3600 Sep 2012 #228

Facts are objective. Truth is subjective. How one uses facts can be subjective. cali Sep 2012 #229

Jessy169, who among us should decide whose speech, what speech incites to riot? JDPriestly Sep 2012 #230

Jessy169's post #122 was hidden, so they cannot reply to you muriel_volestrangler Sep 2012 #243

That poster was simply rude and non responsive. I asked specific questions and that Bluenorthwest Sep 2012 #247

I like be Canadian riverbendviewgal Sep 2012 #276

Canada may have some graces DonCoquixote Sep 2012 #281

I know this but so far it is not like the USA right now riverbendviewgal Sep 2012 #283

I hope so DonCoquixote Sep 2012 #317

Sorry - I refuse to give volent people veto power over my civil rights. hack89 Sep 2012 #242

+1 X_Digger Sep 2012 #315

speech can be abusive and even scar for life... it is a psychic weapon... trailmonkee Sep 2012 #252

I am wondering what you would think if there were more and better counter-weapons. patrice Sep 2012 #257

See all the above responses to this argument. The U.S. does NOT have laws against "hate speech." WinkyDink Sep 2012 #285

The U.S. has laws against speech which increases danger to vulnerables beyond what they would patrice Sep 2012 #307

There are no laws against hate speech in the United States SickOfTheOnePct Sep 2012 #302

Speech that increases danger to vulnerables beyond what they would otherwise patrice Sep 2012 #309

Nice try, but no cigar SickOfTheOnePct Sep 2012 #319

Perhaps the principle should not be applied by law, but by community assent instead. You've heard patrice Sep 2012 #324

hate crimes more specifically... sorry, speech can be part of that... trailmonkee Sep 2012 #311

"A hard look at freedom of expression?" Never Dash87 Sep 2012 #259

I'm afraid your wrong GordonHide Sep 2012 #278

I strongly disagree with your viewpoint. Marrah_G Sep 2012 #284

I think I've got it: The OP doesn't like "Saturday Night Live." WinkyDink Sep 2012 #292

The solution to speech you don't like is more speech, not restricting speech. alarimer Sep 2012 #294

Sorry, but our freedom of expression has saved us and will continue to save us. eom yawnmaster Sep 2012 #295

I think this OP was an exercise in dragging a shiny thing under the water behind a boat... cherokeeprogressive Sep 2012 #296

I think whenever people talk with one another about important stuff that's good, who cares patrice Sep 2012 #310

Inciting violence? I just don't see it. michaelslomo Sep 2012 #312

No it isn't. 4th law of robotics Sep 2012 #313

Man I miss that unrec button. nt Skip Intro Sep 2012 #314

This is an astonishingly stupid post. WilliamPitt Sep 2012 #326

Bullshit--how about we have a re-do of the live and let live principal? librechik Sep 2012 #327

Sigh...unrec Taverner Sep 2012 #328

Dumbest. Thread. Ever. Alduin Sep 2012 #330

Under The Broad Hate Speech Laws DemocratSinceBirth Sep 2012 #331