"Conservatives" clearly have no clue when it comes to the issue of free speech.

Free speech doesn't mean you can slander or defame anyone you don't like, and expect there to be no consequences. People you baselessly accuse of crimes, for example, will fight back, and it should be pointed out that there are defamation and libel laws, and they exist for a reason.
Free speech has never been without legal restraints. You can't scream there's a bomb on board a crowded aeroplane just for laughs; you will be arrested upon touchdown.
To all those whiny "conservatives" out there who like to grumble about restrictions being placed upon free speech, I simply say keep on crying, because I fully support such restrictions, and the next time you have the audacity, the sheer gall, to accuse someone you don't like of (for example) being in support of child abuse, consider yourself to be lucky if all you receive in return is a punch to the face.

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uikakarotuevegeta · 26-30

Except that defamation in North America at least is a civil matter, so it's not something the government can punish you for (unlike throughout Europe and Asia). And also threats to lawless action aren't protected by free speech for obvious reasons. Let's not forget that many countries claiming to have free speech legally only have freedom of expression, which isn't as well protected and separate from freedom of speech. Also your airplane example is terrible because that happens on private property, which means that such entities aren't legally required to care about free speech. It'd be different if the airline was funded by taxpayers and/or affiliated with the government though.

Pambie · 22-25, F

@uikakarotuevegeta

And also threats to lawless action aren't protected by free speech for obvious reasons.

We agree on this, but my point is that those who like to cry the most about this issue also tend to be those who also like to ruin the reputations of those they simply disagree with. Ex. "Mr. Left-Politician was seen on Mr. Epstein's Island". I'm talking about the vicious rumour-mongers, those who believe there should be no restrictions whatsoever (ex. Mr. Musk, and why he took over Twitter), and who don't seem to care about the damage they cause when they open their mouths.
Free speech isn't free in an absolute sense, and many on the right just do not understand this.

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sunsporter1649 · 70-79, M

@Pambie "But, like, it's Ted Cruz. I mean, this dude has to be knocked over the head, like hard, right? Like there is no niceties with him. Like at all. Like you go clean off on him." Ccrockett said.