Free speech

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I must be a masochist. I am going to try to do the poll thing again. I make an idiot of meself every time I try, but ...

So, Vexillifer got me thinking about Speech Liberty.Us Yanks got the constitutional right to toktok how we like and the State can't interfere unless it wants to. Outside the States we Yanks believe you can't say anything without permission except at Hyde Park Corner, but everyone is free to participate - if WP does not ban you.

Mark any kind of speech you think SHOULD BE BANNED.

Nothing from that list. I'm pretty much an absolutist on free speech.

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Same.

Refreshing -

I think about 75% of people I know [from all kinds backgrounds] would find something or other in there to rule out.

count me on that too. I'd have voted for publishing state secrets but if the state has betrayed its ideals, I say it's fair enough (say the case of Bradley Manning)

None of the above, although "picketing schools" would be the closest. I've seen some disgusting footage of children been scared shitless by waves of screaming protestants on BBC (if the converse happens, it is obviously equally as disgusting).

The government may allow free speech, but society doesn't. Just say that you are anything but Baptist and people freak out. And NEVER mention evolution. (I know one person in the entirety of my school besides myself who believes in evolution and he said he's moving away this year )

I can't belive anyone voted for criticizing the government to be criminalized...but to each their own I guess, I just think it is important for the citizens to be able to criticize the government.

Anyways I voted demeaning minorities......because that is the main one I see that could cause harm. I mean just being a bit different led to a lot of negativity from other people that did some damage, so on a larger scale it probably is not good either.

Works both sides - talk Baptist around my university some time. An awful lot of people have lists of things they REALLY do not want to hear. Or thing they insist on you saying.

The precise problem is that in a democratic society, that isn't true. Majority rules, and if they try hard enough they can remove any constitutional safeguards and f**k the minorities.

There is nothing on that list I have not done.
well except the junk science but even that is debatable.

actually that was me, I was watching Iron Man 2 on Netflix and wasn't paying too much attention - the one I was aiming for was the state-secrets option, right above it. Specifically, US secrets that are stolen and traded abroad.

None of them should be a criminal offense.

(proven) Slander can be a civil offense, I think.

I am not sure I get what you mean by that.

I draw the line at inciting to riot or forming a lynch mob.

ruveyn

Which you have DONE would be anothr and very interesting question -

For me:

Public prayer NOT in church, mosque etc. Y
Libel and slander - Never actually CAUGHT
Revealing state secrets - Sort of - leaked some things the Dept would not like known
Criticizing the government - OH yes!!
Use of offensive vocabulary - Depends de you count Bloedig Ell and Automobilistic Swine
Talk demeaning minorities - I only demean the majority
Vocal picketing of abortion clinics, churches, schools - Never
Heckling speakers Y
Inciting to riot - I do not THINK so
Chatting during a performance - Oh yes
Obscenity and blasphemy - I have been told so though not by my standards
Publishing junk science - I have been told so though not by my standards