Freedom of speech

I had to sit through four hours of training today. Among other things, we talked about sexual harrassment, racism, and discrimination in the military.

Our discussion leader was from the Equal Opportunity Office, and he was a good discussion facilitator: showing us slides from the media on different controversial subjects and then letting us air our views. One subject we talked about was Freedom of Speech.

He showed us a few photographs of different hate groups demonstrating and parading. He also showed us a photograph showing a group of demonstrators who had managed to stop a KKK parade. In the picture, the group is holding up signs about stopping hate. Our discussion facilitator then asked us what we thought about the group's having infringed on the Klansmen's freedom of speech.

I had to think about it and still am. The First Ammendment says

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.

There's a lot of vagueness there, and wiggle room.

Sure, every American likes free speech -- especially when we agree with it. When we don't agree with it, or feel its offensive, then we don't like free speech quite so much. There is also the subject of public versus private domain, and who should be able to say what in each. There's also the question of decency and "ugly" speech: profanity or racism. And -- of course -- the big question of whether there's a difference between freedom of speech or freedom of expression...like being able to walk around naked.

Personally, I'm more on the conservative side as far as public forum free speech. As far as privacy and what people want to say on private property, I'm all for it. As for the internet: I feel people can say whatever they want. However, having more domain names (like .porn) would definitely help people decide what they want or don't want to allow in their homes.

I'll get off my soap box.