Free speech is the bedrock of a free society. In countries that are not free, they will throw you in jail if you speak out against or insult the government, the leader, or their religion. Crazy, huh?
What about here though? If we censor or make it a crime to offend people, aren’t we doing the same thing?
If we can’t say anything that may offend a person or group, we are open to an interpretation of what is offensive – and that is dangerous. People have different definitions of morality, different beliefs, habits and customs. Limitations on speech lead to authoritarian regimes where people are oppressed, particularly groups that the ruling regime doesn’t like.
While offending people may be showing intolerance, perhaps ignorance, and may be in poor taste, and while being offended is no fun, it is a small price to pay to live in a free society where we get to express ourselves freely.
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Being free does not eliminate our personal responsibility to be a morally good person in speech and actions. We are bound to offend someone somewhere sometime, but if our intentions are morally sound, that offense is easier to swallow than if the intentions were in a mean hearted manner. Sometimes things need to be said or actions taken that will offend some people, but sometimes those things can be tempered out of love for our neighbor.
complete agreement
I have no control over how someone edits the information People often choose to be offended by the slightest thing But I do have complete control over what I say So do I mean what I say or am I mean about what I say Thanks Larry and have a great day
I can tolerate that… can you?
There is a reason the founding fathers made freedom of speech the “1st” amendment. That was not by happenstance.
I agree 100% percent with what the first Tim said. I would just add that if you say it and it is coming from a morally sound position, own it. Don’t back off, but be willing to hear another side. Just remember that some people have a different morality and sense of what is right and wrong than you do, and they have the right to be offended and disagree with you. That is when they exercise their freedom of speech. The biggest problem this country faces right now with freedom of speech is that no one wants to debate and learn, they only want to scream their own agenda and not listen to any other ideas.
Could not agree more! Unfortunately, it seems that the further left one may be on the political scale of things the more we are told by them that we must have a tolerance towards the things they embrace and to give them the freedom to espouse their beliefs. Which incidentally I completely agree with. But, if for some reason we don’t hold those same beliefs or see something flawed in it, we are expected to be muffled and not have the same liberty that they have to express their convictions. There is something disingenuous about that to me. What’s good for the goose should equally be as good for the gander.
A quote from todays “Think Daily “ is “People have different definitions of morality, different beliefs, habits and customs. Limitations on speech lead to authoritarian regimes where people are oppressed……….it is a small price to pay to live in a free society where we get to express ourselves freely….”
It is my opinion that there is no such thing as absolute freedom. Including freedom of speech. This is because of two things First: Where my actions begin to encroach on another’s freedoms, have I not suppressed or oppressed theirs? Second: Like it or not there has to be a protective standard of measure of some sort. That standard should be open to debate and perhaps ever evolving, but there must be one. Because without it, the price to be paid may not be so small.
Example: Would you allow a child pornographer and/or a child molester open access to express their views on nudity, love, and sex to the students in an elementary school? WHY NOT? It’s just their freedom of speech. If you censor it, you open the door to being taken over by an oppressive authoritarian regime. Right?
Point to Ponder: Most, if not all, historians agree that Adolf Hitler had a powerful gift of speech. Hitler spoke Unbridled, Unchecked, and Uncensored. How did that work out in terms of human rights and regimes?
In terms of my personal standard and free speech I end my comment with quote from Lori Hatcher:
“I can’t curse those who don’t believe as I do. I can’t express hate or disdain for those who criticize what I hold dear. I can’t outshout, bully, or taunt them. I can’t exercise the liberty of free speech because I answer to a higher law. I answer to the Word of God.” ― Lori Hatcher
Agreed. Those that are offended by what others say have a complete backward attitude toward life. If the thoughts and words of people have that much of a bearing on your feelings, you have failed at life. The thoughts and words that others have should have no bearing on the thoughts and feelings of yourself. Who cares what others think, be happy with yourself.
Actually, Dan, it IS by happenstance that the First Amendment is first. There were two other amendments passed by the first Congress, and numbered 1 and 2, but they were not ratified by the states. Still, it’s a happenstance that worked out well.
Happy new year, Larry!
Lenny Bruce said it best. If we can`t say fuck, we can`t say fuck the government.
Amen!