just because you can doesn't mean you have to

[kaethe]

Random thought from when I was trying to get to sleep last night: A distinction should be made between the argument that someone shouldn't say something and the argument that someone isn't allowed or doesn't have the right to say something

Comments

[raynedanser]

Pssst - The first Amendment? Freedom of speech? They only prohibit Congress from passing laws restricting freedom of political speech. That was the purpose of the first amendment. It does not apply to individuals. So they don't even APPLY to this at all in the first place.

[kaethe]

Yeah, I know. That's why I said broad/not-how-the-law-interprets-it. I think it's more of a social contract or unifying belief in our country that we have the right to speak our minds in our own spaces, provided we avoid slander and such. I guess you could say that it's considered a moral right whether or not it's a legal right.

[raynedanser]

Good point and yeah, I think you're right. I was just going crazy with all the people screaming "First Amendment" when they had absolutely no clue what they were talking about. I would try to explain and because they were so determined to be right, it went right over their heads. *facepalm*

[dragon_within]

When I was in school the first time around, there was a 'Freedom of Speech' platform off to the side of the campus post office. You could stand on the platform and literally say anything that you wanted... even things that might get you arrested, like sedition/treason against the government. Of course, once you stepped off the platform, you might find the gov't taking a interest in you and your activities. ;D

[kaethe]

Hee! That's awesome! Did people use it a lot?