Note to all Americans

[cormac]

"Freedom of speech/expression/religion" is not "freedom from disagreement," nor is it "freedom from being called out on your words." You can worship or say whatever you want, but if it's something stupid, someone else has the right to correct you, disagree with you, or mock your stupidity. If a public official forwards a joke with racist undertones, and a local newspaper reports it, that isn't suppressing his freedom of speech. That's pointing out that the person who has freedom of speech has chosen to use it to express hateful ideas.

In other words, there's a big difference between "you can't say that," and "you really, really, really shouldn't say that."

Comments

[selenesue.livejournal.com]

21st Century Corollary: be careful what you say online, because someday your children will Google you.

[cormac.livejournal.com]

Or perhaps "Email is forever."

[dieppe.livejournal.com]

Solution? Don't have children! I am well on my way to that solution! :)

[blackbirdsings.livejournal.com]

THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU.

Freedom of speech is not freedom from consequences. This is one of my headdesk issues. I've come to expect the "I can say what I want! It's freedom of speech!" crap from random Internet idiots, but from public officials--even if they're just city councilmen--it's inexcusable.

Also, when I actually get a chance to make a phone call, I will tell you all about my adventure today.

[cormac.livejournal.com]

You can call right now if you like, I'm still up.

[blackbirdsings.livejournal.com]

I'm afraid I'm not in much condition to talk right now--I actually just mentioned it in my journal--I'd call anyway, but I really need to try to sleep. I should be more myself again tomorrow.

Really big hugs.