Free Speech
I was watching a bit of a news story last night about America.
It talked about freedom of speech and how people were being punished for using their freedom of speech and their right to peacefully protest about government issues and policies.
There was a man who got shot at by the police because he was in a protest, and people who went to anti-war marches also got arrested.
One women found herself to be on the FBI's no-fly list. When she got it checked out they marked her ticket and now she has to have extr checks before boarding a flight. She does not know why she is on the list but assumes its because she runs an anti-war magazine.
What are everyone's views on this?
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I was watching a bit of a news story last night about America. |
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What are everyone's views on this? |
International Level: International Guru / Political Participation: 1089 100%
I think that everyone should be entitled to freedom of speech. Of course, there are some people out there that carry 'freedom of speech' to the extreme. But I think if people are unhappy about something, like with government policies, they should be allowed to use freedom of speech as some sort of statement. Just as long as it is a peaceful statement, where no one gets hurt or a riot insue.
I'd really have to see the "news program" you saw to assess what is was saying. Â Mostly the anti-war protestors just tied up traffic and annoyed people. Â I do remember reading of one incident of violence breaking out but - but don't remember details. Â
As far as I'm concerned some of these protestors should have been charged with treason. Â Voicing opposition is one thing - but blocking access to ports to keep our young men and women in battle from receiving food and supplies....that's just wrong.
If you're really interested in free speech let me recommend the book "The Trial of Socrates". Â Was Socrates exercising free speech or commiting "treason" by corrupting youth?
I would like to point out that there is much more restriction of freedom of speach aimed at the Right rather than the Left in the US today. People are being punished for expressing their opinions about homosexuality, abortion, and affirmative action. An example is a boy who was expelled from school for a drawing showing a US marine shooting a Taliban soldier. Whether you agree with the boy or not, the fact that he was expelled for a drawing is a rather chilling idea.
My son was "unofficially" expelled from school for a similar thing. His teacher asked the students to bring in something that symbolized themselves. She did NOT want "candles".
My son thought about the assignment, what would adequately symbolize himself, and how he would express it. As far as I am concerned, the only mistake he made was to not discuss it in advance with his teacher.
He came to class, and held up a 3.25" folding knife, unopened. He explained that when we are born into this life, we are like lumps of iron ore. What we go through, the choices we make, the experiences we enjoy refine us and form us into types of tools. Somewhere in his discussion, he apparently referred to himself as a tool in the work of Christ, possibly a "sword for Christ."
He didn't threaten anyone. Nobody felt any type of hostility. He received an "A" for the assignment. He submitted the knife to his teacher. Three school days later, she turned him in.
What is interesting is that he was severely punished for speach that was in response to his assignment! And, the teacher and students involved felt that it was an excellent job.
I can tell you, it was a great lesson to our family.
NightHawk
International Level: International Guru / Political Participation: 854 85.4%
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An example is a boy who was expelled from school for a drawing showing a US marine shooting a Taliban soldier. Whether you agree with the boy or not, the fact that he was expelled for a drawing is a rather chilling idea |
International Level: International Guru / Political Participation: 3231 100%
Unfortunately, most US citizens don't care. A lot of us are taking notice, though.
After posting my message above, I came across the following:
Judge to Christian mom: No 'homophobic' teaching
In custody case orders child's religious upbringing must not expose her to idea homosexuality wrong
https://wnd.com/news/article.asp?ARTICLE_ID=35365
This is a very troubling situation regarding speach and religious rights.
What do you think?
NightHawk
International Level: International Guru / Political Participation: 854 85.4%
QUOTE |
An example is a boy who was expelled from school for a drawing showing a US marine shooting a Taliban soldier. Whether you agree with the boy or not, the fact that he was expelled for a drawing is a rather chilling idea |
International Level: International Guru / Political Participation: 1089 100%