Should America Outlaw Reprehensible Media And Speech?

First of all, I am sure no one is blaming the entire America for the controversial movie. Neither, am I saying that I am against freedom of speech or freedom of expression which I have clearly indicated initially. However, what is there to stop another reprehensible production, irresponsible outburst, insult, badgering or another act to denigrate Islam in the name of free speech and expression? I think time and again, it has been proven that men just fail at the most critical moment, especially when there is total freedom to do what they want. I agree that the violent protests against the controversial movie is overboard and unnecessary. On the other hand, I feel that the situation would not have escalated to whatever it is today, had there been a law against such a form of free speech and expression. At least, these individuals like this movie producer would be discouraged not to act and produce this controversial movie in view of the legal consequences they have to face if they do. Another good thing about the law would be for the entertainment outlets which will know what to do with these reprehensible productions and not be seen to be going against the good constitution. Let's not forget, like a family when a child behaves badly or commits a crime outside, the family's name will be tainted and the entire family will somehow take the blame for failing to discipline their child. So no matter what good America has done, just one stupid act from such an individual will just discredit all that has been done.

Thank you for responding. Honestly there is nothing stopping someone from attempting to do something like this again. Hopefully the consequences of this last one will cause people to see that dangerous things can happen from such a film and they won't do it again. It is not like we do not have any laws here. You are not allowed to do something that is hateful to another religion, nationality, or someone who is gay. This movie although I didn't see it certainly would go under the title of hate, and that is considered a hate crime and there are very serious punishments for that. There is also something called slander where you can not put out an untruth about someone. Or say anything that can ruin someone's reputation that is a lie. So it is not like we Americans go around spouting off what ever we want about anyone, there are laws that prevent us from doing so. Those who went and committed those murders though certainly did not prove the producers of that movie wrong by going around killing people. They could have gone the more moral way and sued for defamation character. They probably would have won and gotten a lot of money. If you start taking away free speech though in fear that something like this will happen again and let's face it this does not happen very often, then where do you stop in taking away free speech. Our forefathers thought out our constitution very carefully and very wisely. It's not like this kind of thing happens all the time, if it did then perhaps it would become a problem, but we can't take away even a bit of something that is actually a good thing because someone did something stupid. I have to also say that this not have to turn out violently, objection to this could have been peaceful and legal yet still satisfying to the offended parties. They chose to go the route of violence.

Now, I am not discussing about taking away free speech but about doing the right thing like removing or outlawing even on reprehensible productions that does not serve any purpose other than riling animosity and discord. I think such actions do not undermine free speech but show due respect to other culture, race and religion which at the end of day promotes mutual understanding that is vital for the peace around. If the authorities cannot remove or outlawing such acts then irresponsible people will just continue doing these acts and start another "war".

As you had posted here "...it should outlaw the incitement of violence and terror from Muslim population by Muslim leaders in order to stifle freedom of press and speech from progressing in advance nations" - kinda double standard here, don't you think so? So it is alright to incite and denigrate others' religion and not alright to retaliate. Who is to say that if you do something bad and others do not accept it, that they are denying your freedom? If you slap a person on the face, I don't think you should expect the other party to react with offering you another side of the face for you to slap it or settle it peacefully with you. Also, don't assume or dictate that the other party will take it as a hard punch on their face. Your country may recognize or even accept an ugly behavior or deed as legitimate but you must not expect other countries and its people to give it the same recognition and reaction. It is what human diversity and pluralism is about. Sure, you have your freedom but such freedom does not mean that anyone could abuse it and carry out acts without civility, morality and most of all respect.

Why are you so quick to judge an unknown 14 minutes video flick produced by a dubious individual in California is equivalent to free press? This individual is no representation of vast majority of America neither is he represent the media network in America. You are just trying to find someone to blame for the violence of muslims on U.S by blaming an unknown person for denigrating their religion which i think is quite laughable, you are no doubt can become the best candidate for future US state secretary position.

I don't think what you advocate will eventually resolve the violent party's issue where liken to a person taking a slap on the face on one fine Sunday out of nowhere and no rhyme or reason. You will find your limit being overstepped and trampled upon. To me, Outlawing does not prove a person's weakness but setting some boundaries which helps encourage some form of order and limit of what one should or should not do. It is just similar to home education where we teach our children about certain observances on morality, respect and manners. Last, I believe you would agree with me that the U$5 million would have been put to better use than to produce this anti-Islam movie - one where it could be used to help out the financial crisis. Besides, nothing would have floated on the surface, had the stick of dynamite not lit and thrown into the waters.