Freedom of speech...

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:In an indirect way, when your message is heard by millions who can then vote with their dollars, your freedom of speech is somewhat limited by your celebrity. That is, say something unpopular, lose your audience, lose your job, lose your way to make a living in the future. That will make you very careful of what you say in public. Of course, you can always shoot your mouth off but there will be repercussions.

But that's true for everyone. If I walked down the hallway of my office right this minute and shouted epithets of any kind aimed at any demographic group, I'd get in a lot of trouble. I would be reprimanded, possibly fired. My co-workers would be upset and some of them would let me know about it and they might complain to management about it. I am not owed freedom from criticism.

Remember, you can't yell "fire" in a crowded theatre. I suspect that you do not have free speech in your office as is the case with every business. You may say what you wish but be prepared for the consequences. Free Speech guarantees the right for newspaper to publish and write what they wish and for the rest of of to say how we feel about politicians and political, church, civil and criminal policies and laws? At that, free speech is limited in that you can't run around saying that you are going to assasinate political leaders.

[Anonymous]

15:36 post is interesting in that it gets closest to the heart of the Freedom of Speech argument. Freedom of speech in this country means that you cannot be arrested or subject to prosecution simply for saying something that others disagree with. If this seems elementary to some, realize that in certain countries you cannot criticize the current government without fear of imprisonment or worse. So how do we sanction those who make statements that are offensive to the majority-by utilizing our own freedom of speech rights like not listening to that person anymore, not sponsoring any venue that supports that person, and yes, by publically shunning that person. Absolutely misunderstandings abound-life is not fair. The example of the use of the word 'niggardly' comes to mind. Another great thing about this country is that Dr. Laura isn't really put out of business although she may not be able to garner the high salary she has in the past. There are plenty of venues that will welcome her opinions-Fox News comes to mind once they get their tail out of their legs over the Shirley Sherrod incident. Again, that's the thing about free speech in America. While most people won't allow you in their living rooms for uttering the N word, you can't go to jail for it.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:15:36 post is interesting in that it gets closest to the heart of the Freedom of Speech argument. Freedom of speech in this country means that you cannot be arrested or subject to prosecution simply for saying something that others disagree with. If this seems elementary to some, realize that in certain countries you cannot criticize the current government without fear of imprisonment or worse. So how do we sanction those who make statements that are offensive to the majority-by utilizing our own freedom of speech rights like not listening to that person anymore, not sponsoring any venue that supports that person, and yes, by publically shunning that person. Absolutely misunderstandings abound-life is not fair. The example of the use of the word 'niggardly' comes to mind. Another great thing about this country is that Dr. Laura isn't really put out of business although she may not be able to garner the high salary she has in the past. There are plenty of venues that will welcome her opinions-Fox News comes to mind once they get their tail out of their legs over the Shirley Sherrod incident. Again, that's the thing about free speech in America. While most people won't allow you in their living rooms for uttering the N word, you can't go to jail for it.

This is the precious freedom we must protect.