Say What You Will

Freedom of speech is awesome.  I love it.  I enjoy using it, on here and in other ways.  And I'm glad when other people use it.  It's part of the lifeblood of democracy. 

When it comes to offensive statements, I don't really want to ban them.  I don't like hearing them, but I want people to say them.  It lets me know just who the jackasses are, and how dumb they are.  I need to hear that in the larger world, for my own awareness; and I try to let people say what they want on here.

People need to remember that having to live with the consequences of their actions and words, though, does not mean that their right to free speech is somehow being violated.  If I say something on here, or in real life, I expect to answer for it.  I'll stand up and defend what I say.  I can do that because I do my best to tell the truth, and to back up what I say with facts.  Reality-based statements, and opinions, stand up to scrutiny. 

I don't think someone getting kicked out of a frat, or even a school, for saying racist things has had their free speech suppressed.  They did something stupid, that violated the school's code of conduct, and have to deal with the consequences.  If you say something stupid, or untrue, and you're called out on it, hey, that's called reality.  That's being a grown-up.  Take responsibility for your actions.  If you have a company and say things that are nasty, people might boycott you or advertisers might pull their sponsorship.  That's not an imposition on your free speech- they are exercising their right to speak against you, and to vote with their wallets.  Again, you have rights and duties and responsibilities.  You don't get to just say whatever you want without dealing with the consequences.  I don't feel bad when people who have said nasty things have to deal with a backlash.  That's democracy in action.  Freedom, but with responsibility.  That's what makes this country great.