What is considered speech worth protecting? Obviously, it's not all speech, since its not legal to yell fire in a crowded theater or increasingly to use what is considered "hate" speech. Obviously it's not speech per se, since Americans have bent over backward to accomodate many forms of expression that aren't speech. There has also been a clear shift to accept what heretofore would have been considered deviant (e.g. pornography), while increasingly limiting previously acceptable forms (e.g. religious). Additionally, there is an increasing confusion by many who think the freedom to speak also includes the freedom from criticism of that speech.
Some Considerations
It is important to review the range of thinking on this issue. This section will attempt to provide that range and we'd love your help in exploring the full spectrum of thought...
Thoughts from the left
If you're on the political left, please email your thoughts on this issue to: issues@growup.org.
We care more about truth and clarity than agreement and would love to post the best arguments to help people understand this issue more clearly.
We will post at least the top three from each side, so please help us help you, and more importantly the undecided.
Thoughts from the right
If you're on the political right, please email your thoughts on this issue to: issues@growup.org.
We care more about truth and clarity than agreement and would love to post the best arguments to help people understand this issue more clearly.
We will post at least the top three from each side, so please help us help you, and more importantly the undecided.
The Bottom Line
So in the final analysis, what should you take away on this topic? On which side should you fall - and why...
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