Do you believe in freedom of speech?

Question

And how far would you go - hate speech, facist organisations in democratic countries, comedians, etc? :-)

Answer 1

Let people say what they want, it's the job of those who oppose hate speech, fascism or religious fundamentalism to develop and put forward arguments to counter bad arguments. Suppressing speech is lazier than countering it and gives the impression that lunatics have something to say that can't be refuted.

Censorship and suppression makes people lazy and not committed to engaging in important issues.

Answer 2

it is good.till it doesnt hurt other's sentiments or freedom

Answer 3

I believe in free speech but I also believe we have the right to ostracize citizens who make racist, militant,  sexists, or homophobic  remarks, vote these people out of office, and boycott or refuse patronage to the Chris Rocks and Sarah Silvermans of the world.  I would like to see everyone regardless of their race, gender, or religion held accountable for their words. Some are getting a free pass and that just perpetuates hostility and bitterness in society as a whole.

Answer 4

it is all protected speech, here you have a right to be ranting raving lunatic so long as you are not threatening or harassing anyone.

in Germany they put a guy in jail for denying the holocaust happened, that could not happen here, you have a right to be a loon as long as you do not threaten or harass.

Answer 5

Yes we should have freedom of speech but as humans we should be able to control that freedom and not wish to harm another person's feelings or provoke instability and violence...unfortunately because there are some morons out there who don't have the common sense to use their freedom of speech instead of misuse it restrictions ultimately have to be put into place to keep society from dissolving into chaos...

Answer 6

Freedom of speech is one thing and being an obnoxious azz is another.  I am all for free speech.  I do not however think that it is acceptable to go around hurting and offending people just for "shock value" because some people may find it amusing.

Answer 7

Completely - without censorship.  But people will need to accept the fall out of their free speech, as comedians and others are learning with the failures of their careers.  I wouldn't want to live in a world where censorship is acceptable...but we the people still have a say with our dollars...

Answer 8

As long as the free speech does not promote violence, discrimination or mistreatment of another, I am in 100% full support of free speech.

However, if someone chooses to use the right of free speech to insult or harass another, they should be prepared to take the repercussions of those actions (which is normally a swift boot to the @$$, depending on who they are insulting)

Answer 9

I believe in freedom of speech up until we get into public proclamations of hate or treason (i.e. a book containing classified government secrets).

Answer 10

Yes.  Any government that claims the sanction of free men would have considerable chutzpah to suppress speech.  The fascist organization has as much right to exist as the communist one.

That's for the public sphere, of course.  In private matters, if I own the microphone, I decide who gets to speak with it.

Answer 11

I believe in it all. There is no growth without pain.

Answer 12

I think people can say whatever they want. I just think that people need to stop taking things that people say so personally.

Answer 13

yes- total. But one has to be prepared for the repurcussions- like death threats backlashes,etc