What does "Free Speech" mean to you?

What does "Free Speech" mean to you? (Full Version)

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MzMia -> What does "Free Speech" mean to you? (4/19/2008 7:47:40 PM)
It's Saturday Night, and I have to ask this question. What does "Free Speech" mean to you? If possible, try NOT to attack other people that might answer this thread. For many of you, that will be damn hard. Guess what? People have the right to "Free Speech" here, within the guidelines of the sponsors of this website and all the regulations and laws they must uphold. Free Speech! I love it! [:D] You have the right to say what you want within "reason", and I have the right to NOT ageee with you, and to publically say so. And I will do just that.

Lordandmaster -> RE: What does "Free Speech" mean to you? (4/19/2008 7:54:39 PM)
Haven't you just undermined your own question? quote: ORIGINAL: MzMia What does "Free Speech" mean to you? If possible, try NOT to attack other people that might answer this thread.

kittinSol -> RE: What does "Free Speech" mean to you? (4/19/2008 7:54:51 PM)
Do you really want to know?

CalifChick -> RE: What does "Free Speech" mean to you? (4/19/2008 8:06:55 PM)
quote: ORIGINAL: MzMia Guess what? People have the right to "Free Speech" here, within the guidelines of the sponsors of this website and all the regulations and laws they must uphold. I'll disagree that anyone has the "right" to free speech here, except the owner of the site. Everyone else that is allowed to be here has been granted the privilege of speaking within the owner's guidelines and judgment, as it is on every other privately owned website that exists in which visitors are allowed to make posts. Cali

MzMia -> RE: What does "Free Speech" mean to you? (4/19/2008 8:11:28 PM)
That is true Cali. But I really want to know what the RIGHT to have Free Speech, means to people. Many have their own ideas in their own little heads, what "Free Speech" actually means!

atursvcMaam -> RE: What does "Free Speech" mean to you? (4/19/2008 8:17:50 PM)
Good point Cali, i occasionally see the "waiting to be approved" tagline on some of the posts, as well as a less than immediate acceptance of profiles or pics. The owners are subject to the restrictions most of us are, and, one would imagine, tougher scrutiny. as for the controlled free speech here, i think that the exchange of ideas is entertaining, and even more so if there is some controversy involved. This world would not be nearly so much fun if everyone agreed about everything. i would even be bored to tears if everyone agreed with me.

kdsub -> RE: What does "Free Speech" mean to you? (4/19/2008 8:22:22 PM)
Freedom of speech in supposed to be a right guaranteed by our Constitution. That guarantee is so vague and has been interrupted so many different ways over the years that it is not something to depend on. I look at free speech this way… I have a right to express my thoughts on any subject at any time…BUT I understand I can and will be held responsible for that speech and its consequences. If not here then the hereafter. Butch

MzMia -> RE: What does "Free Speech" mean to you? (4/19/2008 8:25:35 PM)
quote: ORIGINAL: kdsub Freedom of speech in supposed to be a right guaranteed by our Constitution. That guarantee is so vague and has been interrupted so many different ways over the years that it is not something to depend on. I look at free speech this way… I have a right to express my thoughts on any subject at any time…BUT I understand I can and will be held responsible for that speech and its consequences. If not here then the hereafter. Butch [sm=applause.gif] What a lovely post, that is how I feel. You can certainly say what you want to say, but then I can say what I want to say also. When you attempt, to limit what I can and cannot say......................... THAT's when the shit really gets interesting.[:D]

Padriag -> RE: What does "Free Speech" mean to you? (4/19/2008 8:30:33 PM)
I'd likely use it to spark a debate as to whether free speech is a right at all... or merely a constructed privilege provided by certain social groups which in some cases is assumed, through familiarity, to be a right. Or I might use it to point out that I hate you all... equally of course... wouldn't want anyone to feel offended or singled out... afterall, we must be PC in our hate... and other socially engineered conudrums. But instead I think I'll state that what free speech means to me personally is the ability to state what I believe without fear of persecution or prosecution for doing so... and that for the most part... I don't feel I have any such right at all, and that any semblance of such is constantly being erroded away by institutions and powers far larger than I, and thus my own ability to protect that free speech is likewise diminished. While I find this state of affairs not what was advertised... I also find that on the whole in my personal order of priorities it doesn't rank all that highly among my concerns... chiefly because I've discovered that its not nearly as important as I've been told. After all, what does such "free speech" gain me... that others are forced to hear me whether they wish too or not? Far better I think, to first become someone people want to listen too... and then whatever I might say, will not only be heard... but listened too... and perhaps even understood. But then that requires individual effort, ability and achievement... and such difficult challenges have never been appealing to the masses who prefer their "liberties" guaranteed. But who writes the guarantees I wonder... and how free are those who are given such warrantees?

MzMia -> RE: What does "Free Speech" mean to you? (4/19/2008 8:43:56 PM)
Thank you Padriag, for stating your point eloquently as usual. I especially like your point about PC hatred, in particular. Who determines what group is PC to trash, and what groups are not? I love the term you used "PC in your hatred". THAT is what I see a lot of these days, even "liberals" can make very extremely evil and hateful statements.

Padriag -> RE: What does "Free Speech" mean to you? (4/19/2008 8:49:08 PM)
Thank you... apparently I'm having some success then in my attempt to become someone others want to listen too... [;)]

TheHeretic -> RE: What does "Free Speech" mean to you? (4/19/2008 8:57:41 PM)
FR "Within reason." "Without persecution." Who decides what is reasonable? What is persecution, but the free expression of people who heard what you expressed? Free speech is not granted at some higher level to those with unpopular opinions. To me, Free Speech is emblematic of our fundamental right to individual thought and liberty.

stella41b -> RE: What does "Free Speech" mean to you? (4/19/2008 9:34:19 PM)
Personally I think people get a little confused when they think about free speech. Free speech is using the freedom to speak out in a way where you accept the consequences and responsibilities of what you say but do so in a way so as not to slander, defame or libel someone else. Freedom here isn't a right, but is something you acquire through being articulate and communicative. Rather it is freedom of personal expression which is a right - a basic human right - where you have the right to appear, dress, behave, speak and act in a way where you can express yourself freely. Having a right here implies an acceptance of equality and the freedom to exercise your right carries with it an acceptance that other people have the same rights and the same freedom to exercise those rights. Having a right also carries with it a responsibility to respect the rights of others. This I believe is the very fundamental bedrock of equality and diversity. Political correctness was wrong because it promoted inequality.

MzMia -> RE: What does "Free Speech" mean to you? (4/19/2008 9:44:06 PM)
quote: ORIGINAL: stella41b Personally I think people get a little confused when they think about free speech. Free speech is using the freedom to speak out in a way where you accept the consequences and responsibilities of what you say but do so in a way so as not to slander, defame or libel someone else. Freedom here isn't a right, but is something you acquire through being articulate and communicative. Rather it is freedom of personal expression which is a right - a basic human right - where you have the right to appear, dress, behave, speak and act in a way where you can express yourself freely. Having a right here implies an acceptance of equality and the freedom to exercise your right carries with it an acceptance that other people have the same rights and the same freedom to exercise those rights. Having a right also carries with it a responsibility to respect the rights of others. This I believe is the very fundamental bedrock of equality and diversity. Political correctness was wrong because it promoted inequality. Bravo Stella and Rich! You both made great points. I think many countries are going to be re-thinking "Free Speech", in the near future. It is also interesting to look at countries like China, where there is no "Free Speech". Say the wrong thing publically in China, and you will be dealt with.

OrionTheWolf -> RE: What does "Free Speech" mean to you? (4/19/2008 9:53:21 PM)
It means being able to say the most offensive and provocative thing, without fear of imprisonment or impeded by the government. As long as it does not cause direct harm to the community (fire in a crowded theater) or incite to commit a criminal act (You should all kill whitie, and hang them from a bridge). The more offensive, the more it should be protected. quote: ORIGINAL: MzMia It's Saturday Night, and I have to ask this question. What does "Free Speech" mean to you? If possible, try NOT to attack other people that might answer this thread. For many of you, that will be damn hard. Guess what? People have the right to "Free Speech" here, within the guidelines of the sponsors of this website and all the regulations and laws they must uphold. Free Speech! I love it! [:D] You have the right to say what you want within "reason", and I have the right to NOT ageee with you, and to publically say so. And I will do just that.

OrionTheWolf -> RE: What does "Free Speech" mean to you? (4/19/2008 9:54:56 PM)
The judiciary branch determines it. quote: ORIGINAL: TheHeretic FR "Within reason." "Without persecution." Who decides what is reasonable? What is persecution, but the free expression of people who heard what you expressed? Free speech is not granted at some higher level to those with unpopular opinions. To me, Free Speech is emblematic of our fundamental right to individual thought and liberty.

TheHeretic -> RE: What does "Free Speech" mean to you? (4/19/2008 10:02:53 PM)
quote: ORIGINAL: OrionTheWolf The judiciary branch determines it. Well, that's it then. We're fucked.

MasterDark1987 -> RE: What does "Free Speech" mean to you? (4/19/2008 10:04:05 PM)
quote: ORIGINAL: MzMia It's Saturday Night, and I have to ask this question. What does "Free Speech" mean to you? If possible, try NOT to attack other people that might answer this thread. For many of you, that will be damn hard. Guess what? People have the right to "Free Speech" here, within the guidelines of the sponsors of this website and all the regulations and laws they must uphold. Free Speech! I love it! [:D] You have the right to say what you want within "reason", and I have the right to NOT ageee with you, and to publically say so. And I will do just that. any speech not found in collar me forum lol

atursvcMaam -> RE: What does "Free Speech" mean to you? (4/19/2008 11:52:02 PM)
awwwww. my humblest apologies to MzMia.

meatcleaver -> RE: What does "Free Speech" mean to you? (4/20/2008 3:02:24 AM)
quote: ORIGINAL: MzMia What does "Free Speech" mean to you? It's a safety valve. No one of any importance listens anyway, ask the millions that demonstrated against the Iraqi war.

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