Where is the line between freedom of speech...

Im curious,

At what point do you believe that the freedom of speech becomes comment deliberately designed to undermine or discredit others.

For example, is this freedom of speech or verging on defamation?

Thoughts on Jediism-
"There are people who practice "Jediism" which is a religion based on the star wars movies" to me that’s going to equal cult like phenomena, cult like behavior and I’m pretty sure the government is going to be investigating a few aspects of that"

Brenna wrote: Im curious,

At what point do you believe that the freedom of speech becomes comment deliberately designed to undermine or discredit others.

For example, is this freedom of speech or verging on defamation?

Thoughts on Jediism-
"to me that’s going to equal cult like phenomena, cult like behavior and I’m pretty sure the government is going to be investigating a few aspects of that"

I guess this depends on which country a organization is from and the laws of the country. Over the internet there is actually no freedom of speach rights. I guess we should also talk about what group you are speaking about and what religions may be effected.

Oh yes since i will get in trouble for member poaching, or self promotion please be sure to post a link to my episode where you took the soundbite from.

As much as i love seeing my work being discussed the shows are much better as whole not individual parts.

MJ Hannigan wrote: I guess this depends on which country a organization is from and the laws of the country. Over the internet there is actually no freedom of speach rights. I guess we should also talk about what group you are speaking about and what religions may be effected.

Actually "
UNESCO assumes its responsibility of promoting freedom of expression on Internet"

So there ARE freedom of speech rights on the internet. Which is the reason why people like you can say things like this. The legality of it is something that is constantly evolving.

Im curious as to what people HERE think of a remark like that, considering that it essentially calls their belief system a cult and intimates that the "government will be looking into it".

I wouldn't worry, youre a realist, you don't believe in Jediism, so you're not affected by this conversation.

I can only comment on U.S. law, as I am unfamiliar with the specifics of Kiwi law, but one would have to check the laws on slander and libel.

The terms get thrown around a bit, but they are crimes with punishments. Generally, someone would have to say that a specific individual or organization had committed a crime, knowing this was not true.

Because the statement was rather vague on the who and the what, I suspect it would be considered no more than idle speculation. To be fair, many religions and philosophies attract unwell people. It is reasonable to suspect that at least on person has set him or herself up as a Splendid Jedi Guru. That person may have followers. The Jedi path would not be immune to such things. I heard about a guy who says he can use the force to control the weather. I don't know if there really is such a person making those claims, but it isn't a stretch to believe it.

Now, if he had said something like, "All so-called Jedi in this specific group are nothing but cultists that worship a Muppet, and they do the following illegal things in their Muppet cult...". Well, that would be different. Or if he said, " Brenna runs a Muppet cult that does these illegal things."

I believe the term Alexandre used earlier was wanker. It might apply here.

Wow. I walked right into that. Awesome.

Brenna wrote:

MJ Hannigan wrote: I guess this depends on which country a organization is from and the laws of the country. Over the internet there is actually no freedom of speach rights. I guess we should also talk about what group you are speaking about and what religions may be effected.

Actually "
UNESCO assumes its responsibility of promoting freedom of expression on Internet"

So there ARE freedom of speech rights on the internet. Which is the reason why people like you can say things like this. The legality of it is something that is constantly evolving.

Im curious as to what people HERE think of a remark like that, considering that it essentially calls their belief system a cult and intimates that the "government will be looking into it".

I wouldn't worry, youre a realist, you don't believe in Jediism, so you're not affected by this conversation.

Much to learn you still have.

First did you know that a former Master had issues with their job in the military as it pertained to their activity at TOTJO and having a totjo sticker on their car?

Did you know how many people have been banned here for posting what they thought and admins banned them for it.

Did you also know that another member was knighted at a prior gathering and had to keep it silent due to it may be suspected as cult like behavior?

You speak a lot but you should take some more time to consider your words.

You should also examine the differance between what the government may call a cult and what they may not. As well as odds are the government will look into diffrent organizations from time to time as compared to saying they should look into them.

You seem to have issues with both reading English and Hearing it. Perhaps i will do a youtube vid for you using sign language. If that will help please let me know.

MJ Hannigan wrote: First did you know that a former Master had issues with their job in the military as it pertained to their activity at TOTJO and having a totjo sticker on their car?

Did you know how many people have been banned here for posting what they thought and admins banned them for it.

Did you also know that another member was knighted at a prior gathering and had to keep it silent due to it may be suspected as cult like behavior?

You speak a lot but you should take some more time to consider your words.

You should also examine the differance between what the government may call a cult and what they may not. As well as odds are the government will look into diffrent organizations from time to time as compared to saying they should look into them.

You seem to have issues with both reading English and Hearing it. Perhaps i will do a youtube vid for you using sign language. If that will help please let me know.

As I have said before, petty gossip and drama mongering are meaningless to me.

I do understand the concept of a cult. If you took the time to look around you might discover that there is an entire section dedicated to in in our training.

Can you please refrain from making continuous personal attacks.

Brenna wrote: Im curious as to what people HERE think of a remark like that, considering that it essentially calls their belief system a cult and intimates that the "government will be looking into it".

Hmmm, I'm not sure how the author might define cult so I'm not sure to what extent the implication was by the person saying it. For me a cult is merely a group which cultivates the dogma or leader above and beyond the welfare of its members - which is clearly unrelated to TOTJO in any way shape or form. I'd be worried about the person saying something intended as a threat, and see it as a public expression of hostility.

Which goes to the question I guess. What protection does a group have from someone who identifies themselves as having hostile belief and intention. Increase monitoring, close off access, report to authorities any nature of threat. I'm not a lawyer though so I'm not sure about legal standing for claiming damages. Other then that, no idea - interesting question Brenna!!!

Brenna wrote:

MJ Hannigan wrote: First did you know that a former Master had issues with their job in the military as it pertained to their activity at TOTJO and having a totjo sticker on their car?

Did you know how many people have been banned here for posting what they thought and admins banned them for it.

Did you also know that another member was knighted at a prior gathering and had to keep it silent due to it may be suspected as cult like behavior?

You speak a lot but you should take some more time to consider your words.

You should also examine the differance between what the government may call a cult and what they may not. As well as odds are the government will look into diffrent organizations from time to time as compared to saying they should look into them.

You seem to have issues with both reading English and Hearing it. Perhaps i will do a youtube vid for you using sign language. If that will help please let me know.

As I have said before, gossip and drama mongering are meaningless to me.

I do understand the concept of a cult. If you took the time to look around you might discover that there is an entire section dedicated to in in our training.

Can you please refrain from making the continuous personal attacks.

No that was a honest observation. And you should care about the past and what some people had to go through so you have a place here at totjo.

As i said made sure you post a full link here to my show you quoted from but clearly did not understand. Soundbites are cute and all but they do not tell the full story. And as I recall I did not mention any specific group, site or forum in tonights episode as it related to quote you brought up. I did mention a few sites at the end of the episode but I do not recall Totjo being on that list. Now on Monday I will be listening to my episode from tonight for sound quality and material of the show and if I did mention totjo at all I will let you know.

If anything of that episode made you feel uncomfortable feel free to call in next week and give voice to it where it belongs.