People vs. Ideas

ren wrote: Agreed with Akkarin. If there are any limitations or other costs associated with your speech, then it is non-free.

There's a difference in being able to say what you please (and pay the associated costs), and not being able to say what you please in the first place.

I can say untrue things in a court of law, for example, but if I'm found out, I'm liable for the falsehood of my words in an area that I've made an assumed contract to speak only the truth. I can say horrid things about your mothers, too, but that doesn't entitle me to walk away without taking a beating first.

Consequences aren't always doled out in the kinds of ways that would negate your freedom to speak. I honestly believe we need to remember that there's also a "right to remain silent" when what we're going to say is could be destructive or hurtful.

steamboat28 wrote:

ren wrote: Agreed with Akkarin. If there are any limitations or other costs associated with your speech, then it is non-free.

There's a difference in being able to say what you please (and pay the associated costs), and not being able to say what you please in the first place.

I can say untrue things in a court of law, for example, but if I'm found out, I'm liable for the falsehood of my words in an area that I've made an assumed contract to speak only the truth. I can say horrid things about your mothers, too, but that doesn't entitle me to walk away without taking a beating first.

Consequences aren't always doled out in the kinds of ways that would negate your freedom to speak. I honestly believe we need to remember that there's also a "right to remain silent" when what we're going to say is could be destructive or hurtful.

Congratulations, you've realized you have no free speech. The government allows you to say things unless they disapprove of them. If you do it anyway, you could find yourself in prison, etc. That's not a consequence of free speech, that's a deterrent of free speech.

And by the way, if people beat you for exercising your constitutional rights and they are not cops, the law protects you and punishes them. If you were saying illegal things, then the DA can/will take you to court.

So your freedom really depends on:
-Do you get caught doing it?
-Does the government approve of the way you are using it?
-Is it in the government's financial interest to take you to court?
-What does the public think about what you did and which party do they vote for?

You are no more free than anyone committing any crime.

ren wrote:

steamboat28 wrote:

ren wrote: Agreed with Akkarin. If there are any limitations or other costs associated with your speech, then it is non-free.

There's a difference in being able to say what you please (and pay the associated costs), and not being able to say what you please in the first place.

I can say untrue things in a court of law, for example, but if I'm found out, I'm liable for the falsehood of my words in an area that I've made an assumed contract to speak only the truth. I can say horrid things about your mothers, too, but that doesn't entitle me to walk away without taking a beating first.

Consequences aren't always doled out in the kinds of ways that would negate your freedom to speak. I honestly believe we need to remember that there's also a "right to remain silent" when what we're going to say is could be destructive or hurtful.

Congratulations, you've realized you have no free speech. The government allows you to say things unless they disapprove of them. If you do it anyway, you could find yourself in prison, etc. That's not a consequence of free speech, that's a deterrent of free speech.

And by the way, if people beat you for exercising your constitutional rights and they are not cops, the law protects you and punishes them. If you were saying illegal things, then the DA can/will take you to court.

So your freedom really depends on:
-Do you get caught doing it?
-Does the government approve of the way you are using it?
-Is it in the government's financial interest to take you to court?
-What does the public think about what you did and which party do they vote for?

You are no more free than anyone committing any crime.

And i thought i was paranoid... Look this topic has gotten out of hand and I'm expecting there to be talk of men in black suits hushing things up... and while freedom of speech allowed you to run your mouth down the rabbit hole i strongly suggest just going out side and taking a look at the world being held accountable is not the same as being oppressed and saying that the US is a fascist and corrupt state when North Korea is a thing declaring that you have no freedom you may want to take a step back

I live in a country where people go to prison for posting stuff on facebook.

You are as free as you want to be...

Feel free to speak your mind....

But, other have the free will to act how they see fit, in response to your words....

Make your choices wisely....

Many died, believing in their free speech...

Even after death threats, they didn't stop....

"Freedom of Speech", like so many other things, has gotten distorted...

There are a variety of kinds of speech. Often it is in the courts that the different kinds of speech are identified.
Not all kinds of speech are offered equal protection under law. Hate speech is not a protected form of speech in the United States. Some kinds of speech are illegal, others are immoral or unethical. Persons are prohibited from endangering others when speaking, as in the tired old example of yelling "Fire!" in a theater. There are also 'fighting words' which are a words designed to provoke a violent response. In the United States, persons are responsible for their speech unless other circumstances can be proven, duress, insanity, etc.

Freedom of Speech is protected under law in the US but that freedom has limits. With freedom comes responsibilities.

lol...

As I said.....

You are free to say what you want....

But, there may be sacrifices, consequences ....

Spout hate... Are you willing to pay the price for your words?

Spout love, equality... Again, are you ready to pay for your words?

I think it is freedom vs. liberty.

We have liberty in America. No real freedom. Having limited freedom of speech, is that really freedom? We have the liberty to have limited freedom of speech... Still not free to say whatever we please...

"Sticks and stones may break my bones but words will never hurt me."

"Freedom of Speech" is part of an amendment to a legal document meant to form a democratic government as agreed upon by the people who signed it. It only works when "We the People" continue to agree on what "Free Speech" is under the eyes of said government. As soon as the population hands these decisions over to elected representatives, they are allowing those representatives to speak for them. Unless you are prepared to load your musket and go to war against those in power, you right to "Free Speech" ends with your vote. God Bless America.

and the second amendment to the same constitution gives us the right to pick up said musket to defend the first if needed
GOD BLESS AMERICA