There's a lot of fail in this thread that I wish I could respond to but I don't have the energy to do so. Instead, I think I'll just pick one small issue near and dear to me...
Quote:
Originally Posted by Strange Famous
Stepping outside of the real case and just into theoretical examples... do you believe there are no limits to the freedom of speech?
In 1944, should an American scientist have been free to announce to the world media how to make an atom bomb? Or should his freedom of speech be curtailed?
In 1943 should Japanese Americans have complete freedom to call on all ethnic Japanese living in America to sabotage American war efforts in any way they could?
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I personally think that America's interests would be well served if after or at the time these clowns begin their revolting little hate crime the local police come in and cart them off on some trumped up charges or other. It is necessary in my opinion that America makes an example of them to the world.
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I am continually shocked by how little Europeans value freedom. For example, I'm pretty sure I hate Islam more than anybody on this forum yet few Europeans seem to be as offended by anti-burqa laws as I am. This really troubles me...
Strange Famous, just in case you're not aware of them, there are so many limits to
freedom of speech, even in the United States, that it's not even funny. Here are just a couple off the top of my head:
I'm sure the list could go on and on. However, there is a very firm bound that should never be crossed and that's offense. A government should never be allowed to limit ones freedom of speech because of mere offense! I think it's just disgraceful how many countries in the West have
blasphemy laws, some of them even newly enacted!
I'm pretty sure anyone here who recognizes my username knows that I'm a fervent atheist. The things I have to say about religion(s) are very offensive to a great many people. Many of them would like to see me forcibly silenced. I am fortunate enough to, by sheer happenstance of birth, live in a part of the world that allows me the freedom to speak my mind to whomever will listen. I cannot be who I am and call for a censoring of these Christians (and yes, they are Christians) without being a hypocrite. I therefore fully support their right to burn the Qur'an in protest... and I hate Christianity! I'm pretty sure I hate Christianity more than anyone else on this forum...
Strange Famous, and anyone who agrees with his views on freedom of speech, can you justify stifling me because what I have to say is offensive? Is there anything substantive that distinguishes me from Terry Jones?
Finally, please understand that my support for their right to burn a Qur'an is distinct from my support for actually burning one. I think it will be counter-productive to do so...