Where do you stand on Freedom of speech?

2023-03-26T08:26:57-04:00

Many people are asking "What does Free Speech Mean?" Here is a link to that begin this discussion, which I am sure is taking place in other differently worded posts on RP:

https://www.uscourts.gov/about-federal-courts/educational-resources/about-educational-outreach/activity-resources/what-does

{Note: As you respond to this post please respond with respect to others. This is a HOT issue and for many of here on RP the heart and soul of why we are on RP. Also, if you are going to make a quip about free-speech please back your "quip" up with something fact-based. I am interested in learning about situations (your lived experiences) where you were witness to FREE speech being denied when common sense defined that it was being presented in a responsible and respectful manner.}

What Does Free Speech Mean?

Among other cherished values, the First Amendment protects freedom of speech. Learn about what this means.

Response by SGM Erik Marquez made Mar 26 at 2023 10:03 AM

2023-03-26T10:03:21-04:00

Who gets to define "responsible"? As soon as you put a human-determined qualifier on it, it's no longer free speech...

As soon as you label anything you don't like as "Not responsible" it is no longer free speech, it's speech YOU approve of...

Response by SFC Casey O'Mally made Mar 26 at 2023 12:08 PM

2023-03-26T12:08:58-04:00

Free speech is free. Period.

Response by SSG William Hommel made May 1 at 2023 8:11 AM

2023-05-01T08:11:53-04:00

To the guy who challenged us to come up with "just one law on the books", I perceive that as a dodge. Biden last year attempted to set up the Disinformation Governance Board run by a known lib activist. Now Minnesota is trying to set up a bias registry. The point is there doesn't need to be a 'law on the books' when you have scumbags in the white house making decrees (executive orders) to enforce laws that are not on the books.

Response by CPL James S. made Jun 10 at 2023 11:04 PM

2023-06-10T23:04:17-04:00

Your options seem quite limited and should contain an "other" as noted below, CPO Nate S..

offered IMHO only: Freedom of speech doesn't mean freedom from responsibility [edit: or consequences], however, it does mean you can say whatever you want*. I find a lot of things reprehensible but I'll gladly defend their right to say and believe it. This has been a serious point of contention for some people I know but I was raised without my US rights growing up so they take on a whole new meaning when I became an adult and served on active duty.

I've seen absolute blatant prejudicial censorship as well, even when factually correct. I've been personally banned from quite a few websites (like Farcebook) for pointing out that a mainstream media article's source material directly contradicts what the published article states.

* - as long as you're willing to take responsibility for it