“I disapprove of what you say, but I will....... (22)

Yes. But that is where it is important to also rely on "balancing considerations".

So for example, are these "unsavoury people" inciting racial hatred or violence? or are they encouraging the commission of offenses? or are they denouncing the fundamental basis for a free and democratic society? If so, they should not be able to hide behind "free speech", and should be prosecuted for that incitation.

Historically, the British political establishment (under all governments, irrespective of political leaning, but in particular under the Blair/Brown years) turned a blind eye to some extremist Islamic movements under the pretext of free speech and multiculturalism, and wanting to be "PC". Actually all that happened is that these extremist movements flourished.

So for me free speech, and the right to it, are very important. But each person's rights have limits - typically where they start to infringe on other people's rights.

Free speech is a right but also a privilege, which should be earned and respected. Someone who does not respect free speech (and incites racial violence as a result, for example) perhaps does not deserve to use free speech themselves...

There's a somebody I'm longing to see, I hope that he turns out to be, someone to watch over me
I'm a little lamb who's lost in the wood, I know I could always be good, to one who'll watch over me (Ella Fitzgerald)

The problem, the way i see it, is balance.

Balancing the right to say what you think and the responsibility you have as a citizen of a community.

The second problem is power corrupts.

To ensure a maintenance of the balance, we have laws. But Laws can be interpreted to mean pretty much anything the court want them to mean.

Balance power of the authorities against destructive statements by people out to disrupt society.

Never going to happen. We either have too much power given to the authorities or too much leeway given to the speaker.

Only when the miracle occurs of the general public being able to listen, understand what is being said and THINK about the consequences of action taken will we have a hope of a balanced society.

Restrictions of free speech can end up preventing criticisms - e.g., recent laws against "inciting hate" against religious belief being unclear what they cover, or consider the cartoons that poked fun at Islamic belief, or people being sued for libel for criticising homeopaths.

A dictator would be in position to change the laws anyway (and typically would be more likely to take advantage of restrictions on free speech).

Locking up holocaust deniers just risks giving future generations reason to think that there was some conspiracy clampdown, and use it as an explanation for why few people shared these views.

(The west is generally more liberal than many other countries - but left leaning?)

Sign the Consenting Adult Action Network's statement

Not a cat in hells chance! You see on my own personal moral grounds I would cherry pick, there are thoughts and ideas I would never wish to hear relayed nor do I think they should be given a voice.

I have no ides if I am left? Do I need to be asked if I want to be one? What is 'left'

As I type I reach out my hand, so as you read, you are then touched.

Edited 12 Aug 11, 2:10 PM by Lex_Magister

I know I could google the term but I'm trying to figure out what an Islamofascist is..

Yours is not to reason why, yours is but to do or cry.

This is probably the major thing my Master and i disagree on.He is very much a no platform believer when it comes to fascists.However i cannot see how it is morally consistent for anyone to decide what can or cannot be said by others.

The strength of us lentil eating liberals is we can cope with dissent.You do not win an argument by banning the opposing view.

Thoughts ,musing, ideas,http://itsjustahobby.wordpress.com/
..if you do tie her up from time to time, or whip her just a little, and she begins to like it, that's no good ... you have to get past the pleasure stage, until you reach the stage of tears.'

They arrange flowers but in a very abstract and vocal way!

As I type I reach out my hand, so as you read, you are then touched.

The object of persecution is persecution. The object of torture is torture. The object of power is power.

Sign the Consenting Adult Action Network's statement

Edited 12 Aug 11, 10:00 PM by emark

Are you sure ?

http://www.google.co.uk/search?q=I+disapprove+of...

"You might well think that; I couldn't possibly comment"

Edited 13 Aug 11, 2:00 AM by Lush_Life