Free Speech Zone" - James Bovard, The American Conservative

  • Context: News 
  • Thread starter Thread starter Carlos Hernandez
  • Start date Start date
Click For Summary

Discussion Overview

The discussion centers around the concept of free speech, particularly in the context of government restrictions and the implications of "free speech zones" as implemented during the Bush administration. Participants explore the balance between political speech and potential limitations, raising questions about the nature of free speech and its absolute versus conditional status.

Discussion Character

  • Debate/contested
  • Conceptual clarification
  • Exploratory

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants express concern over the establishment of "free speech zones," suggesting they effectively quarantine dissent and limit visibility of opposition to political figures.
  • There are claims that the mainstream media fails to adequately cover issues related to free speech restrictions, leading to questions about media freedom and control.
  • Some argue that free speech must be absolute to truly exist, while others contend that there should be compelling reasons for any restrictions, particularly regarding political speech.
  • Participants discuss the complexities of determining who decides the validity of restrictions on speech and the potential biases involved in such decisions.
  • There are references to legal implications, such as the possibility of countersuing government entities for free speech violations, though skepticism about the feasibility of such actions is expressed.
  • Some participants assert that while political speech should be free, there are limits on other types of speech, citing examples where restrictions may be justified for public safety.
  • Concerns are raised about the implications of restricting speech based on political expedience, with calls for equal treatment of protesters and supporters at public events.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally do not reach consensus on the nature of free speech, with multiple competing views on whether it should be absolute or subject to limitations. The discussion remains unresolved regarding the criteria for restricting speech and the implications of such restrictions.

Contextual Notes

Limitations in the discussion include varying definitions of free speech, differing opinions on the role of government in regulating speech, and unresolved questions about the balance between individual rights and public safety.

  • #31
Originally posted by phatmonky

You can't come in my house to protest, you can't come on the stage Bush would be speaking on...and in this case, you can't be in certain areas that are designated to be off limits.
Nevertheless, there is a difference between havng a special area sectioned off, and putting that section so far away as to render the free speech of the protesters almost meaningless. Bush is pushing the limits of the law(can't say for sure he is breaking the law) for political, not safety reasons.
 
Physics news on Phys.org
  • #32
Originally posted by Zero
Nevertheless, there is a difference between havng a special area sectioned off, and putting that section so far away as to render the free speech of the protesters almost meaningless. Bush is pushing the limits of the law(can't say for sure he is breaking the law) for political, not safety reasons.

Pushing the limits, I agree. Should this have been handled differently? Absolutely! Is this a gross violation of human rights that we better call the ACLU to get on? Not in the least - it simply is highly irritating to hear people immediately go for the knee jerk reaction of "they're stealing our rights", without thinking it through.
 
  • #33
Originally posted by phatmonky
Pushing the limits, I agree. Should this have been handled differently? Absolutely! Is this a gross violation of human rights that we better call the ACLU to get on? Not in the least - it simply is highly irritating to hear people immediately go for the knee jerk reaction of "they're stealing our rights", without thinking it through.
Well, maybe you should have a 'knee jerk' reaction against other people, either...especially since THIS post of your, after you calmed down a bit, seems a lot more reasonable than where you started, huh?
 
  • #34
Originally posted by Zero
Well, maybe you should have a 'knee jerk' reaction against other people, either...especially since THIS post of your, after you calmed down a bit, seems a lot more reasonable than where you started, huh?
Actually, I have been calm since the beginning, and you are assuming a knee jerk reaction. My actions thus far on this board have been fully thought through :) If you feel I need pruning, banning, or anything else, you are more than welcome to do so. I enjoy ruffling your's and Adam's feathers, but you pointed yourselves out for the doing :smile:
 
  • #35
"Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the government for a redress of grievances."

The relevant part,

"Congress shall make no law ... abridging the freedom of speech... or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the government for a redress of grievances."

Does not prevent local governments from taking measures to limit speech. The supreme court has decided that such limitations can not be so severe as to eliminate speech. Also, later amendments preclude such limitations from being biased. For example, a public library can prohibit loud speech, but can not prohibit speech based on political content.

However, none of these caveats justify what the secret service did. There was a public gathering at which political speech was allowed. It is unconscienable that only viewpoints of one side were allowed.

Njorl
 

Similar threads

  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
3K
  • · Replies 147 ·
5
Replies
147
Views
17K
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
2K
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
4K
  • · Replies 12 ·
Replies
12
Views
3K
  • · Replies 65 ·
3
Replies
65
Views
11K
  • · Replies 24 ·
Replies
24
Views
6K
  • · Replies 31 ·
2
Replies
31
Views
6K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
4K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
2K