February 20, 2006
No "Free Speech Abuse"
Paul Geary blasts those supporting the thought crime of "free speech abuse" in The New Editor:
I contend there is no such thing as free speech "abuse." The perceived need to equivocate on free speech in order to display the appropriate sensitivities misses the point altogether. The bigot who uses racial epithets, however repugnant they may be to most of us, isn't abusing his speech freedom, he's exercising it. The pornographer isn't abusing free press, he's exercising it. The civil rights marchers who invaded southern towns in the 1960s were accused of "abusing" free speech. Thank God they did.
Dan Riehl admonishes:
Name it for freedom, or name it for unity, or name it as you will. But stand together nationally, with as much scope as you can, and make a clear statement against intimidation and threat and jointly publish the cartoons.The alternative will only be ever more editorials like the one below and a nation that won't believe you when you tell us of the value of freedom of expression, for which you especially purport to stand. If you lack the courage of conviction to stand up for the very principles upon which our free press was formed, than you relinquish the right to expect others to defend you in the face of any coming storm.
As Benjamin Franklin said at the signing of the Declaration of Independence, "We must all hang together, or assuredly we shall all hang separately."
I read the Bill of Rights, and all I see is that Congress shall pass no law.
But there should be social mores about speech, as in, what is proper, and responsible. And, the way I read the 1st, others can pass law other then Congress.
Unfortunately, the same moonbats who clamor for their free speech want to restrict everyone else.
Posted by: William Teach at February 20, 2006 02:21 PMWilliam, ever read any of the old state blue laws? They were restrictive relative to speech and morals. Profanity was not allowed, promiscuous speech and dress and acts were not allowed. So, yes, the states should be able to legislated what they feel is right or not. The congress just cannot do it at the federal level. Unfortunately, the federal bench has a tendency to overrule state's legislature.
Posted by: Old Soldier at February 20, 2006 10:02 PMExactly, OS. But, don't tell the libs. We wouldn't want them to learn anything about that ;)
Posted by: William Teach at February 21, 2006 09:00 AM
