- #71
nismaratwork
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DanP said:Slippery slope.
Lets get a individual suffering from social anxiety. He will feel threatened by a lot of social situations. Does that mean that the whole society is infringing his right to free speech ?
Another example. A man has some unconventional ideas. He chooses not to expose them, because they don't conform to the norms of his group, and he fears exclusion. Is this infringement of free speech ?
YOu want a hot chick, but she beleives in god. You choose not to tell you are an atheist, so it doesn't ruin your chances to get together with her. Is she infringing your free speech ?
Perceived fear IMO does not infringe on any of your rights. *YOU* choose to restrain yourself from free speech. To restrain from expressing your right, after weighting in the advantages and disadvantages of opening your mouth. This is what we all do in fact in social situations. A cost / benefit of action analysis.
Of all you've said, only the second COULD be based in a realistic fear of being shot, or otherwise killed. Again, I see someone with a gun, I don't ASSUME anything: I know they have a gun, and that's it unless they're a cop or I know them. I'm not saying I'll club them like a baby seal just in case, but I'll be aware, and if something happens he's my primary target. I don't know anyone with an ounce of SD, police, or military training who would change that threat assessment without added variables.