Tag Archives: Free speech

Obama’s Christian humility

Bookmarks:
Obama’s Christian humilityImposter queen tries to seize mansionHigh speed chase with multiple carjackingsISIS beheads 20 EgyptiansWhen free speech crosses the line

Continue reading Obama’s Christian humility

Free speech issues, etc.

Bookmarks:
Some news sites cracking down on over-the-top commentsObama suggests sense of powerlessness in confronting the world’s evilsScary people downtownAn angry young man, and divine intervention

Continue reading Free speech issues, etc.

No humane death penalty, and other news

Bookmarks:
There’s no humane way to carry out the death penalty.The focal issue for the midterm electionsU.S. “torture” isn’t new.Misleading headline

Continue reading No humane death penalty, and other news

What is pomegranate juice? and other stories

Bookmarks:
Supreme Court to decide what constitutes pomegranate juice  •  Free speech means freedom to lie  • “I’m not changing my lifestyle.”  •

Continue reading What is pomegranate juice? and other stories

The Gospel vs. George Will, and other stories

In “recycling” these old posts, my practice has normally been to reproduce the whole post.  In this instance, I’ll merely link to it:

The Gospel vs. George Will, and other stories

What got me at this writing was this passage, which strikes me as awfully current:

“Josh Barro is one of those who just didn’t get it. To me, the whole row has been about free speech. It is unacceptable in this country that mere shifts of the zeitgeist should force an individual’s conscience; that we should become a thought-police state.”

That was dated 01/11/14.  I’m struck that we may now be at greater risk than ever, of becoming a thought-police state.

There can be no dialogue with toxic speech.

Debate opposing views, don’t label them hate: Column

Over the weekend, I very nearly un-Friended a church member on Facebook.

This woman is a pillar of the congregation, exceptionally gifted, and holds several important offices.  But she frequents certain web sites that spew forth racial hatred, and she Likes certain items, and they show up in my Timeline.  I will never voluntarily expose myself to such material.  (Related:  Change your diet.)  There can be no dialogue with it:  even to take it seriously is poisonous to my soul.

The First Amendment will not protect me from it.  On the contrary, hate speech is normally protected.  As are lies.  As is verbal bullying.  And heckling.

One can choose, however, what one pays attention to.

Milo Yiannopoulos is a troll.

As likewise are Ann Coulter and Joan Walsh.

There may be no lawful way to silence them, but those persons and organizations (such as Young Republicans) who sponsor them, hire them, and give them gratuitous platforms, may be persuaded that the nation deserves better.