In response to our dear editor, it is necessary to correct
at least some of his many errors in regards to his concept of
freedom of speech.
EDITORIAL
Although there is no signature, we all know who wrote it. So let
us please dismiss the pleasantries and get on with the show -
Freedom of Speech
Perhaps the editor is referring to the First Amendment of the
US Constitution, in which it says "Congress shall make no law ...
abridging freedom of speech."
But what exactly constitutes protected speech? Is all speech
protected? Or only the parts of speech the Congress approves of?
And is such freedom limited only to speech?
This subject seems to be more and more difficult to understand by some people for each year that passes. Not only in FidoNet but worse than
that, all over the entire world.
The Framers of the Constitution made this subject very clear and easy
to understand. "Congress shall make no law ..."
Freedom of Speech is, like all freedoms, binary. Either you have it
or you do not. There is no middle way.
That is why James Madison corrected them, by making a few additions.
Starting with the First Amendment.
Voltaire (Franthois-Marie Arouet) did not actually say it, it was
Evelyn Beatrice Hall that interpreted his thoughts this way:
"I disapprove of what you say, but I will defend to the death your
right to say it."
James Madison had a better version.
Adolf Hitler, Joseph Stalin, Pol Pot, Kim Il-sung and all other
dictators we know of were all in favour of Freedom of Speech. As long
as that speech did not oppose to what they regarded as proper.
Dear boy, freedom of speech does *not* include -
* to incit actions that would harm others
* to make or distribute obscene materials
* to burn draft cards as an anti-war protest
* to permit students to print articles in a school newspaper over
the objections of the school administrator
* of students to make an obscene speech at a school-sponsored event
* of students to advocate illegal drug use at a school-sponsored event
I could go on. And on. And on. Despite the number of football players
taking a knee during the singing of the national anthem. Despite the
antics of a president urging his followers to sack the capitol. Despite
women refusing to sign up for a draft that does not exist. Or how many
times the baby trump balloon is flown.
Remember, "Congress shall make no law ..."
I'm constantly reminded of what a bad person I am to allow this or
that user to execute his Freedom of Speech in the FIDONEWS echo. "Ban him!" shouts the crowd. I.e. "No more Freedom of Speech here, unless
we like it!"
Yes. You are. And do you know why? I will give you one glaring example:
"The Moderator shall make no law" is nowhere to be found in the rules.
You know what that means. Especially since you said it yourself -
Freedom of Speech is, like all freedoms, binary. Either you have it
or you do not. There is no middle way.
So. There you go. In your own words. A direct threat, to all, what
happens if you disrupt the feathers of the Moderator of the Fidonews!
Off with his head! Or her head, if such be the case! The Moderator
of the Fidonews will *always* have the last word!
Can't you really see what you are saying? Is it really that hard to
press the Next key if you find someone opposing to what you regard as proper?
Well, it's either the <N>ext key or expulsion from the Fidonews!
So much for "freedom of speech" in this joint ...
After all, nobody is forcing you to read anything. Neither in a
FidoNet echo nor on Twitter, FaceBook, Fox News or wherever. Surely
you have more important matters to be upset with, or even angry with,
in your lives?
Donald J. Trump got banned from Twitter. Donald J. Trump also got
banned from Facebook. And God only knows how many other social media
platforms. Not to mention his own social media platform, which also
got banned, along with his desk.
Once again:
Freedom of Speech is, like all freedoms, binary. Either you have it
or you do not.
Once again -
"Congress shall make no law ..."
It is not just freedom of speech the First Amendment is all about.
It's your choice, be sure to choose well. Once you've lost it, it
can take ages to get it back, if ever.
Who, or what, has the power to decide what constitutes protected
speech? Are you saying, or suggesting, that only the Moderator of
the Fidonews echo is The Decider? Come now, you can't be serious.
The US Constitution, First Amendment, is very clear - "Congress
shall make no law ..."
I love anarchy.
Tom Jennings thought he could control it.
Yet somehow it got away from him.
And now look what we have left.
--Lee
--
You're fired, Donald!
--- MesNews/1.08.05.00-gb
* Origin:
news://eljaco.se (2:203/2)