Only logged in members can reply and interact with the post.
Join SimilarWorlds for FREE »

I Believe In Free Speech, Even If I Don't Like The Message

Majority of Democrats Support Criminalizing Free Speech

A new poll shows that a majority of Democrats want to limit free speech with laws that would prohibit so-called “hate speech.”

The YouGov poll published Wednesday found that 51 percent of Democrats favor imposing legal limits on free speech while just 26 percent of Democrats oppose the idea.
The poll suggests a clear reason why incidents such as the Charlie Hebdo attacks in Paris and the recent attempted assassination of cartoonists in Garland, Texas, become mired in partisan politics within the United States. By a ratio of nearly 2:1, Democrats believe free speech should be curtailed when it involves “hatred” for another group. The exact nature of “hatred” is undefined, but real-world examples demonstrate it can be something as simple as drawing a cartoon of Muhammad.

A clear example of this desire to limit speech can be found in the New York Times editorial board’s reaction to the attack in Garland. In a piece titled, “Free Speech vs. Hate Speech,” the Times criticizes Pam Geller, the organizer of the cartoon contest and the intended victim of the attack. Speaking of Geller, the Times wrote, “she achieved her provocative goal in Garland — the event was attacked by two Muslims.” The Times goes on to argue that no amount of violence—not the Charlie Hebdo attacks, not the theatrical brutality of ISIS, not even 9/11—can justify “provocations” (i.e. cartoons) of Islam. This is the severely limited view of the 1st amendment the left-leaning NYT has already embraced.

In contrast, the opposing view, held by most Republicans and independents according to this YouGov poll, is probably best exemplified by a piece Eugene Volokh published at the Washington Post

I keep hearing about a supposed “hate speech” exception to the First Amendment, or statements such as, “This isn’t free speech, it’s hate speech,” or “When does free speech stop and hate speech begin?” But there is no hate speech exception to the First Amendment. Hateful ideas (whatever exactly that might mean) are just as protected under the First Amendment as other ideas. One is as free to condemn Islam — or Muslims, or Jews, or blacks, or whites, or illegal aliens, or native-born citizens — as one is to condemn capitalism or Socialism or Democrats or Republicans

The 1st Amendment protects all speech, but there is no doubt the left is increasingly comfortable with limiting this. Hillary Clinton has said that overturning Citizens United is a priority for her if elected President. That decision found that a film critical of Hillary could be shown on TV prior to an election. Hillary says she would support a constitutional amendment to overturn the decision. This week, she added that opposition to the case would be a litmus test for any Supreme Court Justices she would appoint.
A majority of Democrats already support limiting free speech. Imposing new limits to speech as a matter of law is already on the left’s agenda
PsychoMantis · 36-40, M
I personally have something against free speech, people should respect themselves when speaking, America is a laughing stock to the world, watch it crumble down in couple of more centuries. I also abandon patriotism a long time ago and I'm not going back to it, patriotism is worse than religion. Through Christianity I have learn that the prince of this world is Satan therefore putting my faith in a system that is created in the selfishness and interest of man is not worth defending. Watch Babylonia collapse, America is founded on Masonic principles, and Masons indulge in many religions therefore I called them pagans, now I want to see pagan America collapse. I take that back I want to see the world collapse.
jackson55 · M
Yep, and I'll defend your right to say what you like even if I don't like it. Too bad others don't feel the same way.
LTKISS · 56-60, M
So good. Free speech is free speech. Unfortunately it can be made up and all wrong.
tenente · 100+, M
@lov2smile its also not the right to speak without consequence or push back. even on SW there are users on here who are all like: 'i should be allowed to say whatever i want, and you can't criticize me, because that's threatening and intimidation.' it's not, it's called 'conversation.' limiting free speech and expression takes away a ton of potential. it's like we take away thoughts and ideas before they even have the opportunity to hatch!! we build a world around negatives - you can't say, think, or do this or that.

 
Post Comment