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Crush -> RE: The End of Free Speech? (5/11/2009 7:42:54 AM)
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Freedom of Speech has been under attack from both sides for a while. Freedom of Speech doesn't guarantee you "Required Audience" for your speech. Heck, you can even yell fire in a crowded theater.
Of course, there are consequences to saying what you say. Slander/libel prosecution..a civil matter, not criminal. And even criminal, in certain cases. Think "hate crimes" and "Political Correctness."
In some countries, it is a criminal matter. At least in the US (I know, in Britian YMMMV. ) But in, oh, say China or North Korea, speaking out against the government will get you a grimy cell and 1 square a day. Good thing that's not the case in the US or a significant portion of those on this board would have been in jail over the last 8 years. And the others would have started being picked up over the next 4 years...
I personally love having that freedom and having others have it as well. Sure, it means you have to develop a thick skin sometimes. But at least I KNOW where some people stand. (And who to stand with and who to stand against, come the Revolution.) A "speech profiling" so to speak.
Consider how people dress. You can tell a lot, though yes, some can dress to deceive. Baggy pants vs khakis and loafers. Leather or lace or both?
Considering that when you communicate ~10% is the "text" of your words, ~30% is the tone and over 50% is visual, it is important to try to get ALL the information you can to make a best judgement.
Controlling speech isn't about speech...it is about control.
on a side note: +2, subrob ;)
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