In defense of free speech

This month's Wired magazine included an article titled "The Great Firewall: China's Misguided -- and Futile -- Attempt to Control What Happens On-line."  In it reporter Oliver August tells of his experiences with China's censorship police and how ordinary Chinese citizens are getting around the government's attempt at controlling what passes over the Internet.  It's an interesting read and a good reminder that we need to stand firm in defense of our right as Americans to free speech.

This right recently came under attack by 41 Democratic Senators, who signed a letter publicly criticizing comments made by Rush Limbaugh and asking Mark Mays the CEO of the radio network which syndicates Limbaugh to rebuke him.

Now I'm not trying to defend anything that Rush Limbaugh may or may not have said.  What I'm am seeking to defend is his right to say it regardless whether they were words of wisdom or completely idiotic.  When the U.S. government as represented by the Senate Democrats begin to publicly criticize an individual's opinion and beliefs and bring to bear pressure to have that individual repudiate those beliefs we as Americans are headed in a dangerous direction. 

I'm not a Libertarian  or a member of the ACLU who thinks that all expressions of speech are allowable under the First Amendment.  I don't think the Constitution allows for the creation and distribution of child pornography, for instance.  However, when it comes to political or religious issues the government has no business trying to squelch those expressions. 

If Rush Limbaugh can't express politically incorrect opinions without governmental interference regardless how are out in right field they may be, how long will it be before my politically incorrect religious beliefs come under attack?   

Comments

[John Meunier]

I agree that Rush should not suffer any governmental penalty for what he said.

Of course, I also think the people who ran the "General Betray Us" ad should not be subject to penalty from the government. I believe Congress passed a resolution condemning that one.

If you join me in opposing that action, too, then we agree on this point.

However, both Rush and the liberal group should expect vigrous free speech opposing their points of view. That is the point, after all.

[John B]

John,

Yes, I agree that the Congress was wrong in condemning Media Matters. The only way that I or anyone else can be guaranteed freedom of speech is if those who see things from an opposite point of view are also given that same freedom.

[John]

That's a very good libertarian response -- you recognize that when the freedom of another is threatened, so is yours.

I'm not a Libertarian or

Give it time.