Right to Free Speech
By winterose
@winterose (39887)
Canada
January 29, 2008 9:20am CST
A very important factor in a democratic society is the right to free speech
1 - do you believe in this value unconditionally - meaning someone can say something about anything and it is okay
2- do you believe in free speech but with conditions such as no hate speeches or no slandering political personages etc
3- Do you believe that free speech such be banned and everyone should toe the line.
Our montreal universities will foster free speech so that means, there may be a speaker on jewish issues one day, a muslem speaker a next, a speaker endorsing a political policy one day and someone putting down he government the next,
however we do have hate laws, meaning no one can go and make a statement that is very harsh on certain religions, gays, blacks, etc.
How do you feel about this policy.
a best response will attempt to answer all these questions including this last one
2 people like this
4 responses
@wifeofharvey (1156)
• United States
30 Jan 08
The classic answer to the main question is Yes, you can have free speech but that doesn't entitle you to yell "fire" in a crowded theater. We must be responsible with our 'rights'. That would include not spouting hate. But exactly where is that line?
I don't have the answer to that question.
If I say I am not in sympathy with 'gay rights' does that mean I 'hate' gay people? Not in my book. I can state that the bible condemns homosexuality and by that statement I would bring the wrath of many down upon myself. Yet, don't I have the right to state my opinion? As do those who disagree with me. But I do not have the right to say that all gay people should be killed, of course I don't have that right.
If I say that I believe Christianity is a better religion than Muslim, that is my right, as it is the right of the people believing in Muslim religions to say their way is better. As long as neither of us is spitting on the other, or calling for the elimination of people who don't worship as I do.
We must always remember that our 'rights' do not mean we can step on someone Else's. As I have heard said "your right to swing your fist ends before it contacts my nose".
@raydene (9871)
• United States
29 Jan 08
I do believe in free speach..I believe that each human has a right to be heard..It is up to the intelligence,common sence, and thoughtful handling of the listener as to how much and how long they choose to listen..and weather they will promote it to others..
example:
A hate group puts a video online slandering and distroying the country's flag.
I clck..the window open..as soon as I see I shut the window..I do not tell my friends about the site..I don't place a link to that site anywhere...subject stopped with me...I didn't promote it in any way..
( BOO Hoo for the hate group..they got no free advertizing from me)
Now Jane doe sees it..is offended..sends a link to all her friends..starts a discussion on mylot including a link..Jane Doe is promoting this hate groups activities weather she realizes it or not!
Have a great day and don't promote crap! lol
xoxoxoxox
1 person likes this
