Freedom of Speech?

Are there any limits?
Are we allowed to say things without fear of reprisals?
Should there be conditions or a code of conduct etc?

How far can one go?

What are your thoughts.

I know freedom of speech is not implemented everywhere, possibly not even in Geeks, however there have been discussions, arguments etc, reported of people around the world or regarding issues like faith, politics, and events that may have crossed the line in terms of what is regarded as acceptable and what not.

Do you believe in sticks and stones breaking bones but words never hurt... implying so long as force is not used people can say/preach/ report as they please?

Or do you believe that what people say should be controlled to an extent... but where would that extent be then?

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Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by Ather on April 17, 2009 at 3:50pm: I forgot to mention the 'freedom of press' what is it ?; ▶ Reply to This

Permalink Reply by Persian Paladin on April 17, 2009 at 4:11pm: I believe freedom of speech has limits; but the ONLY limits I regard are the following: -

1. Direct incitement to violence
2. Blatant racism
3. Blatant sexism
4. Sexually offensive, vulgar or criminal content; ▶ Reply to This

Permalink Reply by Paul Lidberg on April 17, 2009 at 9:17pm: I disagree... item #1 is acceptable, but the others are not.

One person's definition of racism is not necessarily the same as someone else's. One person's definition of sexism will not match another. And definitions of sexually offensive, vulgar, and criminal vary as well. Whose definitions shall we use? Yours? Mine? The folks in New York City? San Francisco? Salt Lake City?

Idiots have the right to prove their idiocy with their words. Its part of what makes this country great.; ▶ Reply to This

Permalink Reply by Persian Paladin on April 18, 2009 at 12:27pm: Some interesting points there, Paul.

It is important for people to come to a consensus in order to form an acceptable definition.; ▶ Reply to This

Permalink Reply by Ken on April 17, 2009 at 9:24pm: 5. Anything that threatens national security; ▶ Reply to This

Permalink Reply by Persian Paladin on April 18, 2009 at 12:29pm: Ken...that is one that is also very slippery in its definition.; ▶ Reply to This

Permalink Reply by Jadzia on April 17, 2009 at 9:28pm: I agree with Persian also.; ▶ Reply to This

Permalink Reply by Matz Rios on April 17, 2009 at 4:38pm: i second you on that.; ▶ Reply to This

Permalink Reply by Ather on April 17, 2009 at 4:44pm: But why should one side get 'violent' to another because of what that other side may have said?; ▶ Reply to This

Permalink Reply by system001 on April 19, 2009 at 1:03pm: Only to try to stifle what the other side has to say.; ▶ Reply to This

Permalink Reply by cliffystones on April 17, 2009 at 9:11pm: How about yelling FIRE!! in a crowded theater?

Also, bearing false witness, either by lying or intentionally omitting facts should be a crime. of course that would put MSNBC out of business!; ▶ Reply to This

Permalink Reply by Clinton on April 17, 2009 at 10:41pm: Well put, so would our president and about 95% of congress be out of a job too!!!!
If free speech has limits here that would be the end of the country as we know it.; ▶ Reply to This