My free speech rant...

[johno]

I wrote this and realized it didn't fit where I was composing it, so it goes here...

{{{In response to someone saying something shouldn’t be said}}}}

Bullshit.

It's all or nothing, except where *direct* public safety comes into play (Shouting fire, when there isn't one, in a crowded movie house.)

I will put my life on the line for anybody to say anything they want to.* This a basic tenant of our country and our lifestyle.

This does not mean I have to like or agree what you have to say, NO! Hell, I may probably even hate it, but I'll defend it.

KKK, bigots, racists, moralists, fanatics of all types have the right to speak.

I also have the right to speak back. To point out flaws in arguments, blackness of the heart, narrow mindedness. I may even lower myself to their level and start name calling. But to ever say, "no you can't say that"? Never!!!


* I put in 5 years in the Air Force. After all the simple reasons of job, $$, training, schooling, etc. I was in to serve and protect my country. #1 on my list of protections is Freedom of Speech.

Comments

[snmnstrz21.livejournal.com]

My fiance got fired from his job because he wrote things in his livejournal about the company he worked for that the lawyers of the company thought could be considered libel or slander (whichever is the written one).

What do you think of that? Is that a violation of free speech? Or did he give up partial rights to free speech?

Re:

[johno.livejournal.com]

Depends on his employment contract.

Contractually they can't stop him from saying it, but they can use it as a basis for firing.

If what he posted was true and they said said it slander/lible, he could always take them to court.

Q is "Is it worth the time/effort."