Do you think we have free speech here in the U.S? And what constitutes free speech?

Question

Do you think we have free speech here in the U.S? And what constitutes free speech?

Answer 1

For now, thought it's certainly less freer than it used to be, and if the Supreme Court does any more "foreign consensus" rulings, then it might soon be a crime if one's speech offends certain groups of people.

The First Amendment free speech is specifically directed at political and critical speech, because it is what some find offensive that needs protection. Once speech comes under the power of government to limit it, then the right is lost.

That's why so many people have such a problem with Speech Codes at public universities. Limiting speech means limiting the exposure to ideas, which is not only counterproductive to a supposed center of higher learning, it is also the beginning of government-imposed restrictions on free speech. That's a dangerous step in the wrong direction.

Answer 2

Yes, we do.

To prove it "Whatever is a Moron."

Can't put me in jail for that, we have free speech.

Answer 3

we hve free speech, however its like i can call my buddys wife a b word all i want, but eventually h**l hate me

so there is repricusions over what we say

altho the dems are trying to stop talk radio because ITS NOT FAIR cuz noone will listen to or advertise on air america so all they have is npr which only works because theres 5 rich guys keeping it going even tho i think they have fundraisers every month for it, pretty sad

Answer 4

Pretty much, there are some restrictions like you can't yell fire in a movie theater and you can't threaten the president but other than that yeah. But just because you have freedom of speech doesn't mean you automatically get a soapbox to stand on and spew your views nor does it mean I have to listen to what you say.

Answer 5

Yes.

Just what you're doing right now, expressing a question and soliciting answers for it.

Answer 6

It feels like free speech has been limited. I don't know that it has. Certainly the consequences of free speech can be quite unpleasant.

To me free speech means being able to speak freely. It does not mean that you will like the reaction you may get.

With freedom comes greater responsibility and accountability. It is not easy to bear them.

With the internet, there are more voices out there saying all kinds of thing. But the consequences are worrying to me. I know that I do a lot of venting or I feel like I do. Venting is highly emotional. It's not something that should be relied upon as fact or as how someone really feels.

It's questionable how much free speech we really have. I think an argument could definitely be made either for or against.

Answer 7

Well, up to a point.  

I can call you a  #$%^&^$  but I can't go down on the street corner and advocate the overthrow of the government.

Answer 8

I think that we have some of the freeist speech in the World.  We can say what ever we want about our government and you will not get locked up unless it is a direct threat to people such as saying you are going to blow up a building.  We are even allowed to be vocal against the War if we are against it with out fear of repercussions as long as it is in a public forum.

Answer 9

well, we do have freedom of speech or so to speak:)

Although it's gotten out of hand, and I think it may be used against us some.

For example, Some churches aren't allowed to say certain bible verses.

Also, in our public schools you cannot pray - it's a public school though, so not everyone wants to either-

now, on YA Answers, freedom of speech is determined by the group on here that deletes our questions.

I love America my home sweet home!

Answer 10

Yes, uh...in free speech zones.  But only if we're pro-government...otherwise NO.

Answer 11

No we do not and we do not have freedom of religion either & appears secondment rights and a great many other things.