Forgive me if I come across as unAmerican, but I think we all\u2014each one of us\u2014have our personal boundaries (or lack of) when it comes to freedom of speech. As with so many rules, laws, regulations and rights, we tend to interpret them to suit ourselves. Sometimes it seems to me that those bellowing the loudest about freedom of speech are those who want to push the envelope with their language or message\u2014venture into controversial territory. Some use the freedom of speech concept to infringe on the rights of others. <\/p>\n
It appears that the original concept for freedom of speech and freedom of the press was related to government and religion. I doubt that its intent was to make it okay to defame someone or spew or write pornography or other distasteful (and even illegal) material. <\/p>\n
I\u2019ve known people who were staunch proponents and supporters of freedom of speech, until someone stepped on their toes with insulting or embarrassing words. Oh they still believe firmly in the original concept, but not when it becomes personal. <\/p>\n
The Internet, which brings us so many wonderful gifts, has also created an even greater arena for freedom of speech. How do you feel about this? Is it a good thing or are we in serious trouble with this well-meant first amendment right? <\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
Forgive me if I come across as unAmerican, but I think we all\u2014each one of us\u2014have our personal boundaries (or lack of) when it comes to freedom of speech. As with so many rules, laws, regulations and rights, we tend to interpret them to suit ourselves. Sometimes it seems to me that those bellowing the […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":5,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":[],"categories":[4],"tags":[],"aioseo_notices":[],"aioseo_head":"\n\t\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t