What ever happened to Freedom of Speech?

[Weapon-x]

What ever happened to it? It was so important to us and one of the main reasons to live in the United States. In today’s society we cans till speak it but when we do someone takes offense, sues us, or slams our opinion down into the ground.

Why am I saying this? Well because it’s true. If gay, black, Mexican, Religious, any group of people they can discuss there freedom of speech in front of everyone and everyone has to put up with it. But when someone says something they take offense or threaten to sue us. And if they sue us 8/10 times they usually win.

[Wayne Luke]

Freedom of Speech is an often miscontrued concept. It does not allow you to say whatever you want, whenever you want. It prevents the government (and only the government) from censoring what you say as long as it is done in an otherwise lawful manner. Even then there can be consequences. You can't use it as protection to spread lies and rumors that defame another's reputation or cause them financial harm.

This means that if you are trying to get your message across in front of Wal-mart then they can shoo you off their property for loitering. If you are doing it in a peaceful assembly in front of city hall or other public property (easements, roadways, parks, etc...) then they cannot. If your message is meant to incite terror, unlawfulness or harm to other persons then you are breaking laws and you will be dealt with appropriately. If your demonstration causes law enforcement or the public to become fearful of their safety, then you are breaking laws and you will be dealt with appropriately. If it causes destruction to public or private property, then the same applies, you are breaking laws.

Finally, freedom of speech does not apply to private venues. This actually includes the inside of most buildings owned by government entities as well as privately owned businesses.

[Freesteyelz]

Originally Posted by Weapon-x

But when someone says something they take offense or threaten to sue us. And if they sue us 8/10 times they usually win.

A bit generous on the winning side? Most lawsuits of such nature are thrown out before it hits the courts.

As with Wayne mentioned, with freedom of speech comes great responsibility. Many, however, do not exercise that responsibility and say things without giving much thought or constraint. I find it interesting that the very thing that makes our country great also makes us equally weak.

Any restrictions to the amendment are to be applied for everyone regardless of color, culture, religion or lifestyle. Here is where Weapon-x seems to be questioning. If he's arguing that a double-standard exists then I believe so he is right.

[Brad]

Tell you what try going over to Germany and yelling racist things at the top of your lungs...you'll be sitting in a jail cell in short order. Do it over here and you'll likely just be asked to leave the area.

For example you can say anything you want in my home unless I say otherwise. If I tell you to shut up about whatever it is you're going on about and you don't then I have the right to have you removed from my home.

We do have freedom of speech but there are restrictions on it for good reasons. Try yelling "FIRE!" at the top of your lungs next time you're watching a movie at the theater. See if you get arrested...and when you do think long and hard about why.

[iogames]

I got censored here so easily
Without saying a single bad word... they misinterpreted my interpretation

[Freesteyelz]

Originally Posted by iogames

I got censored here so easily
Without saying a single bad word... they misinterpreted my interpretation

There are so many ways to express yourself over most subjects here at vB.org. You just need to find the right approach.

[Paul M]

This forum has rules, just like any other - we have a section at the end of our T&C's at Cable Forum that I think says it quite nicely ;

You have the absolute right to free speech. If you find it impossible to abide by this document, then please feel free to contact one of the many good web hosting companies out there and set up an account, create your own discussion board and exercise that right to your hearts content.